Diagnosis

A hepatitis A infection is usually diagnosed by detecting antibodies against HAV in the blood, an HBV infection by detecting specific viral components (antigens) and antibodies against these antigens, and an HCV infection by a combination of detecting antibodies against the virus (anti-HCV) and HCV components in the blood. The diagnosis of hepatitis C additionally includes genotyping. It is the basis for selecting the medications, because individual active ingredients are not or not equally effective against all genotypes.

People aged 35 years and over covered by statutory health insurance are entitled to one-time testing for hepatitis B and hepatitis C as part of the “Check-up 35” health screenings.