Understanding Lab Tests for Alcoholic Hepatitis
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Alcoholic hepatitis is a serious condition characterized by inflammation and damage to the liver caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Blood tests play a crucial role in diagnosing this condition by measuring specific liver enzymes and markers that indicate liver inflammation and dysfunction.
Recommended Test
Alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes
This test measures specific liver enzymes (isoenzymes) that become elevated when the liver is inflamed or damaged. In alcoholic hepatitis, these liver isoenzymes are typically increased, helping to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of liver inflammation caused by alcohol consumption.
2907 reviews
How Blood Tests Diagnose Alcoholic Hepatitis
When the liver is inflamed due to alcohol consumption, it releases certain enzymes and proteins into the bloodstream at elevated levels. These biochemical markers can be detected through blood tests, providing healthcare providers with essential information to diagnose alcoholic hepatitis and assess the severity of liver damage.
Understanding Your Results
Elevated alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes from liver origin suggest active liver inflammation consistent with alcoholic hepatitis. Your healthcare provider will interpret these results alongside your medical history, symptoms, and alcohol consumption patterns to make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Important Considerations
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and cessation of alcohol consumption are crucial for preventing further liver damage.
