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Autoimmune Hepatitis
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Diagnosis of Autoimmune Hepatitis

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There is no single specific test to diagnose AIH. Diagnosis is based on the following: 

Syringe to perform serological testing and determine analytical parameters

Blood tests. These are used to rule out viral infections and other causes of liver disease. They help determine whether there is an increase in liver enzymes (AST and ALT) along with elevated immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels — although some patients may have normal IgG levels at the time of diagnosis.  

Liver enzymes

Liver enzymes are proteins that help the liver function. Measuring them in the blood helps determine whether the liver is healthy or damaged. 
 
The main ones are: 

  • ALT (alanine aminotransferase): Found in liver cells. When the liver is damaged, blood ALT levels rise. 
  • AST (aspartate aminotransferase): Found in the liver and other organs, such as the heart and muscles. It also increases when there is liver damage. 
  • ALP (alkaline phosphatase): Found in the liver and the bile ducts that transport bile. It rises when there are problems in these ducts. 
  • GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase): Indicates problems in the bile ducts or damage caused by alcohol or certain medications. 

In autoimmune hepatitis, ALT and AST levels are usually elevated, indicating that the liver is inflamed and some cells are damaged. 

Liver biopsy to measure scarring or fibrosis of the liver

Liver biopsy. It is a mandatory procedure to confirm the diagnosis. It consists of removing a small sample of liver tissue through the skin for examination under a microscope. This allows doctors to confirm the diagnosis, assess disease severity and rule out other liver disorders. 

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Substantiated information by:

María Carlota Londoño Hurtado
Pinelopi Arvaniti

Published: 27 October 2025
Updated: 30 October 2025

The donations that can be done through this webpage are exclusively for the benefit of Hospital Clínic of Barcelona through Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica and not for BBVA Foundation, entity that collaborates with the project of PortalClínic.

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