Autoimmune Hepatitis

How is the condition diagnosed?

Hepatitis can be diagnosed with blood tests, such as liver function tests. The provider must then try to figure out the cause of the hepatitis. Conditions such as alcoholism and viral infection of the liver are much more common than autoimmune hepatitis. Further blood tests, including one that measures antibodies to the person's own tissues, often help make the correct diagnosis. Special X-ray tests may be needed as well.

Sometimes, a liver biopsy may be needed. This procedure involves getting a piece of liver tissue with a special needle inserted through the skin. The piece can then be examined under a microscope in the laboratory.