Diagnosis

A physical examination may reveal the following findings in a patient with cirrhosis:

• The cirrhotic liver is firm and often enlarged. The liver may feel rock-hard. (In advanced stages of cirrhosis, the liver may become small and shriveled.)
• The left side can often be felt by the physician when pressing on the abdomen.

If the abdomen is swollen, the physician will check for ascites by tapping the flanks and listening for a dull thud and feeling the abdomen for a shifting wave of fluid.

Specific Tests Used to Diagnosis Hepatitis

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Measuring Liver Enzymes (Aminotransferases). Enzymes known as aminotransferases, including aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) are released when the liver is damaged. Measurements of these enzymes, particularly ALT, are the least expensive and most noninvasive tests for determining severity of the underlying liver disease and monitoring treatment effectiveness. Enzyme levels vary, however, and not always an accurate indicator of disease activity. (For example, they are not useful in detecting progression to cirrhosis.)

Radioimmunoassays. To identify a particular virus that may be causing hepatitis, blood tests called radioimmunoassays are performed. Typically, radioimmunoassays identify particular antibodies, which are molecules in the immune system that attack specific antigens. (Antigens are any molecules that the body considers threatening or dangerous and which can be targeted by antibodies.)

An antigen is a substance that can provoke an immune response. Typically antigens are substances not usually found in the body.