Hepatitis D laboratory tests

Lab Tests

 * Detection of HDV RNA using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay has a high sensitivity in detection of HDV viremia.
 * HDV antigen may be detected.
 * Levels of anti-delta agent antibodies such as IgM and IgG are generally be elevated. Detection of IgA antibodies to HDV is exclusively associated with chronic HDV infection.
 * Patients may also be positive for HBsAg and anti-HB core IgM. However HBsAg levels may be suppressed to undetectable levels with active HDV replication.
 * Liver function tests may generally show elevated serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels.
 * Elevated international normalized ratio (INR) with prolongation of prothrombin time suggests fulminant hepatic failure.