Diagnostic Testing for Hepatitis C

Robert L. Carithers Jr; Anthony Marquardt; David R. Gretch

doi:10.1055/s-2000-9939

Seminars in Liver Disease, Table of Contents

Semin Liver Dis 2000; 20(2): 159-172
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-9939

Diagnostic Testing for Hepatitis C

Robert L. Carithers, Jr., Anthony Marquardt, David R. Gretch

University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

Abstract

ABSTRACT

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 and confirming the presence of active viral infection. HCV RNA levels and genotype are very useful in assessing the likelihood of response to antiviral therapy and in guiding the optimum duration of treatment. Absence of detectable HCV RNA using PCR methodology has become the gold standard of successful treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C. The various tests for hepatitis C are expensive and have their limitations. However, selective use of these assays has greatly improved the care of patients with chronic hepatitis C.

KEYWORD

hepatitis C virus - diagnostic tests - HCV genotypes - HCV RNA - anti-viral therapy

Full Text

References

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