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View the video entitled Next Steps if You're Hepatitis C Positive Announcer: The information provided in this video is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, you should contact your health care provider. Segment 6: Next steps Jacobson: In many cases, antibody testing is first suggested because levels of a specific liver enzyme in the blood, called ALT or alanine aminotransferase, are increased. ALT is a good indicator of liver inflammation in many people. For this reason, your doctor may measure your ALT level several times during the first 6 to 12 months after your infection is diagnosed. It is important to know that it is possible to have a normal ALT level and still have hepatitis C with inflammation. In fact, many patients with chronic HCV show a periodic rise and fall in ALT levels. If the liver enzyme level remains normal, your doctor may check it less frequently, such as once a year. You can do several things to protect your liver. Minimize the intake of alcoholic beverages. Don't start any new medicines or use over-the-counter, herbal, and other medicines without clearing them through your doctor first. Also, get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B to prevent getting these other forms of hepatitis that can complicate your condition. If cirrhosis is present, periodic imaging of the liver by ultrasound or other techniques is important to detect early liver cancer. Finally, you and your physician should discuss treatment for your HCV infection.