Investigations & Diagnosis
Investigations & Diagnosis
Serology markers:
– Anti-HBc (indicates active/previous infection)
– IgM anti-HBc (active infection)
– IgG anti-HBc (immunity)
– HBs antigen (positive in acute & chronic stages of hepatitis)
– Anti-HBs antibody (sign of immunity post infection & vaccination)
– HBe antigen
– Anti-HBe
– HBV DNA (viral load – increase the risk of cirrhosis & HCC progression)
– ALT levels (elevated in active cases)
Other investigations:
– LFTs – FBC – PT
– Alpha-fetoprotein
– Liver scan
*Acute Hep B: similar distribution of ALT & AST, Bilirubin, ALP, PT as Hep A
*Chronis Heb B: Mild increase/normal