A comprehensive diagnosis of viral hepatitis with a single test

A group of experts has agreed on a document with an algorithm for the comprehensive diagnosis of viral hepatitis from an analytical extraction. Additional recommendations are established for patients with this pathology

A comprehensive diagnosis of viral hepatitis with a single analytical extraction


Early diagnosis of hepatitis is key to patient survival. EFE.

The Spanish Society of Digestive Pathology (SEPD), the Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver (AEEH), the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC) and its Viral Hepatitis Study Group (GEHEP), with the endorsement of the Alliance for the Elimination of Viral Hepatitis in Spain (AEHVE) have joined forces to achieve a comprehensive diagnosis of viral hepatitis (B, C and D), from a single analytical extraction.

This document, called “Recommendations for the comprehensive diagnosis of chronic viral hepatitis in a single analytical extraction”, has the objective of facilitating the recognition of the disease and its treatment.

For this, the scientific committees establish an algorithm so that the positive result in antibodies against the hepatitis viruses (B, C and D) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activates the analysis of the rest of the virus from the same serological sample.

Operation of comprehensive diagnosis for viral hepatitis. Image courtesy of the AEEH.

Follow-up of the subsequent disease will be adapted to each patient and the characteristics of their condition.

The study includes two additional recommendations for patients. First, the need to rule out a previous infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). And then proceed with vaccination in cases where the antibodies against this virus are negative and where the vaccine is indicated.

Second, the practice of a serology of antibodies against HIV. Later, if the result is positive, epidemiological monitoring must be activated and the primary care physician or the requesting physician must be informed.

Likewise, guidelines for the diagnosis and general measures for patients with hepatitis B, C and D and patients with other chronic viral hepatitis are mentioned.

Advantages of the agreement

Experts agree that it is essential:

  • The inclusion of results in the patient’s clinical history
  • The integration of screening programs to detect the disease early
  • The creation of prevention and awareness programs for professionals and citizens
  • The implementation of an automated alert system for health personnel

Specialists believe that these measures will simplify the diagnostic cascade by limiting it to a single blood draw, reduce the number of visits to the medical center, faster diagnosis and access to more effective treatment.

A Scientific Committee has been involved in its preparation together with a Panel of Experts in gastroenterology and hepatology, infectious diseases, internal medicine, and microbiology.

A public health problem

Hepatitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the liver due to a virus (viral); drug, alcohol, or medication use, or a dysfunction of the immune system that causes the immune system to attack liver cells.

The diagnosis of this viral condition continues to be a challenge for public health because many people are unaware that they have the disease.

For this reason, the World Health Organization establishes as priorities to reduce new cases of infection by 90% and deaths by 65% ​​by 2030.

The documentreleased by the organizations that have promoted it, points out that the comprehensive diagnosis of viral hepatitis in a single extraction linked to treatment is “vital” to achieve the objective set by the WHO.

About Jose Alexis Correa Valencia

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