Are there tests to determine how much liver damage people have?
Once it has been determined that someone has hepatitis C, many tests will likely be performed on a regular basis. These tests which include liver enzyme (ALT, AST) and viral load tests, are often performed every few months to track changes or patterns in the way that person’s liver is functioning and how quickly that person’s hepatitis C is replicating. Those tests give only some indication that hepatitis C may be causing liver damage. Sometimes an ultrasound and/or a liver biopsy may also be performed. Liver biopsies are the best way to determine the amount of liver damage a person has.
