It takes about 1-6 months from the time of infection until symptoms of acute hepatitis appear. Early symptoms may include:
People with chronic hepatitis may have no symptoms, or they may have symptoms similar to those of acute hepatitis.
The following tests are done to identify and monitor liver damage from hepatitis B:
The following tests are done to help diagnose hepatitis B:
Patients with chronic hepatitis may receive ongoing blood tests.
Dienstag JL. Hepatitis B virus infection. N Engl J Med. 2008;359:1486-1500.
Jou JH, Muir AJ. In the clinic. Hepatitis C. Ann Intern Med. 2008;148:ITC6-1-ITC6-16.