Tests

Both hepatitis B and D viruses are diagnosed by blood tests. The incubation period for hepatitis B from exposure to clinical symptoms ranges from 60 to 180 days, and blood tests may not reveal the infection for four weeks or more. Eight separate assays can determine the stage of hepatitis B. Fortunately, only one blood sample is needed and all assays can be performed from the same sample.

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Physical examination of patients with hepatitis B may reveal swollen lymph nodes in the neck and enlargement of the spleen and liver. Liver enlargement may be minimal with slight tenderness when a physician feels the liver. In some patients, however, a physical examination reveals nothing.

A liver biopsy is generally not necessary but may be considered if the physician is uncertain of the diagnosis. A biopsy should be performed if there are atypical symptoms of the disease or the symptoms are quite prolonged. If clues of chronic liver disease are present, such as an enlarged spleen, or if there are complications such as swelling of the brain or diffused bleeding, a liver biopsy may be necessary.

This section contains more information on what doctors look for in blood tests.