Final answer:
Liver damage in patients with chronic hepatitis is primarily assessed through liver function tests (LFTs) and potentially through a liver biopsy when non-invasive tests are not conclusive.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assessment of liver damage in patients with chronic hepatitis is typically performed using liver function tests (LFTs). LFTs measure the levels of enzymes and bilirubin in the blood, as well as serum albumin and total protein, to gauge the liver's ability to carry out its functions. A higher level of these substances in the blood often indicates that the liver is damaged and not functioning properly.
As the question specifies liver biopsy, it is another method used to assess liver damage by examining a small tissue sample from the liver under a microscope. However, due to its invasive nature, it is usually reserved for when diagnosis cannot be confirmed by non-invasive tests.
Other diagnostic methods can include ultrasound, which uses sound waves to image the liver and surrounding organs, and a hepatitis virus serological test panel for the detection of antibodies against hepatitis viruses.