All the patients suspected of viral hepatitis are tested for hepatitis viruses A, B and C: IgM anti-HAV, HBsAg, IgM anti-HBc, anti-HCV. If any of these markers are positive, there are conducted further serological tests to differentiate acute infection from chronic infection or past infection. If there is confirmed the presence of hepatitis B virus, anti-HDV (antibody to hepatitis D virus) is measured.
Tests for IgM anti-HEV (IgM antibody to hepatitis E virus) are measured if the patient is (or have recently traveled to) an endemic area and if the test is available.
In uncertain cases HCV-RNA and HBV-DNA can be measured, although these are sophisticated tests and are not routinely available.