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Another common test used to classify hepatitis C is the liver biopsy, in which a small piece of liver is removed and examined under a microscope. Many doctors do a liver biopsy whenever a patient has a high alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level (which suggests that the liver is inflamed) to help them confirm what exactly is causing this problem and how serious it is. A liver biopsy can help your doctor or specialist determine how much damage has been done to the liver.
When the liver is damaged (for example, by the hepatitis C virus), it tries to repair itself and forms small scars. This scar formation is called fibrosis. A greater amount of fibrosis indicates more severe and more advanced disease. Based on the results of the liver biopsy, you and your doctor will be able to make more informed decisions regarding treatment. For example, if you are found to have normal or only slightly higher than normal ALT levels and little or no fibrosis on liver biopsy, your doctor may decide to postpone treatment because this type of chronic hepatitis C has little chance of progressing to cirrhosis. On the other hand, if the degree of fibrosis is moderate to severe, your doctor may decide to begin treatment immediately.
Liver biopsy is done in the hospital and requires local anesthesia. For more information on liver biopsy and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, visit http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/pubs/liverbiopsy/liverbiopsy.htm.
Your doctor has other tests available, too. Don't be afraid to ask what tests he or she has done, what other tests are available, and what the tests may tell you about your condition.
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