Diagnostic testing for hepatitis C

Diagnostic tests for hepatitis C virus have improved dramatically over the past decade. Highly accurate tests are now available for screening patients for possible hepatitis C infections nod confirming the presence of active viral infection. HCV RNA levels and genotype are very useful in assessing t he likelihood of response to antiviral therapy and in guiding the optimum d uration of treatment. Absence of detectable HCV RNA using PCR methodology h as become the gold standard of successful treatment of patients with chroni c hepatitis C. The various tests for hepatitis C are expensive and have the ir limitations. However, selective use of these assays has greatly improved the care of patients with chronic hepatitis C.