Laboratory methods for diagnosis and management of hepatitis C virus infection

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review summarizes the pathogenesis and significance of serological and molecular-based assays in the diagnosis and management of HCV infection. After reading this article, readers should be able to describe laboratory tests used in the diagnosis and management of HCV infection. They should also be able to describe the general principles for selecting the most appropriate laboratory test for diagnosis, therapeutic decision making, and assessment of virologic response to therapy.