The evaluation of alcoholic hepatitis begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Physical findings in those with moderate to severe alcoholic hepatitis may include:

• Abnormally yellow skin or eyes
• Skin bruises
• Dark urine
• Pale skin
• Liver enlargement
• Abdominal tenderness:
• Over the liver

Physical findings in those with severe alcoholic hepatitis may include:

• Blood in the stool:
• Black stool
• Rectal bleeding
• Red stools
• Blood in the vomit
• Confusion
• Lethargy:
• Excessive sleepiness

Testing is required to make the diagnosis of alcoholic hepatitis.

Tests that may be used to evaluate alcoholic hepatitis include:

• Liver profile: may show elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin
• Complete blood count
• Hepatitis panel:
• Determines the type of viral hepatitis
• Coagulation profile:
• Hepatitis can disturb blood clotting
• Ultrasound of the abdomen
• CT scanning of the abdomen
• MRI scan of the abdomen
• Laparoscopy:
• Also useful for obtaining a biopsy specimen from the liver
• Liver biopsy