Can liver function tests replace hepatitis B tests?

Aug 01, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

In general, liver function tests cannot replace hepatitis B testing. To determine whether there is a hepatitis B virus infection, specific hepatitis B-related tests are required. To fully assess liver health, especially for high-risk individuals such as those with a family history of hepatitis B or long-term exposure to hepatitis B patients, in addition to regular liver function tests, active hepatitis B-related testing should also be conducted.

Generally, liver function tests cannot replace hepatitis B testing. To determine whether one is infected with the hepatitis B virus, specific hepatitis B-related tests are required. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Liver function tests mainly assess the liver's synthetic, metabolic, and detoxification functions, and determine whether the liver is damaged and the degree of damage, by measuring indicators such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin in the blood. However, these tests cannot directly detect infection with the hepatitis B virus. In contrast, hepatitis B testing mainly includes the hepatitis B panel and hepatitis B virus DNA testing. These tests aim to determine whether a person is infected with hepatitis B virus, assess viral replication activity, and determine whether the infection is contagious. The purposes and contents of these two types of tests are fundamentally different.

To comprehensively assess liver health, especially for high-risk groups such as those with a family history of hepatitis B or long-term exposure to hepatitis B patients, in addition to regular liver function tests, proactive hepatitis B-related testing should also be conducted. If abnormal results are found on hepatitis B testing, timely medical consultation is necessary, and appropriate interventions and treatment measures should be taken under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, attention should be paid to personal hygiene, avoiding sharing personal items such as toothbrushes and razors with others to prevent virus transmission.

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