Testing

Diagnosing PBC

Often, your doctor can give you a diagnosis of PBC just using blood tests, but other forms of testing can be used to help rule out other problems with your liver and determine the best treatment for you.¹

Three text boxes labelled ‘Blood tests’, ‘Scans’, ‘Biopsy’. Box 1, Blood tests: Liver tests: To check for signs of bile duct or liver damage such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin. Antibody tests: Tests to identify antibodies known as AMAs which are usually only present in people with PBC. Cholesterol test: High levels of blood fats are a typical symptom in PBC patients. (References 1-3) Box 2, Scans: Ultrasound, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) Various scans may be used to get a visual picture of what’s going on with your liver, and can help confirm a diagnosis and rule out other problems. (References 1-3). Box 3, Biopsy: The need for a liver biopsy is now rare, but it can be performed if your doctors are still unsure on your diagnosis and can help determine your best treatment pathway. (References 1-3).

References

NHS. Primary biliary cholangitis. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/primary-biliary-cholangitis-pbc/. Last accessed April 2025.
Mayo Clinic. Primary biliary cholangitis. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/primary-biliary-cholangitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376880. Last accessed April 2025.
Cleveland Clinic. Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC). Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17715-primary-biliary-cholangitis-pbc. Last accessed April 2025.