“What tests are used to diagnose hepatitis C?”

The tests are Hepatitis C (HCV) antibody test, RNA, or viral load test, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Most people believe that because they had a blood test, they are going to be tested automatically for hepatitis B, and C. No, you are not tested for hepatitis as part of a routine blood test. It must be ordered by you physician. High viral load, which is usually greater than 800,000 IU/L (international units per liter or low viral load which is less than 800,000 IU/L. Your liver enzymes, (normal liver Enzymes are Aspartate Transferase (AST), 10 to 40 units per liters (u/L), and Alanine Transferase (ALT), 7 to 56 units per liters (u/L). The normal range to Gamma Glutamyl Transferase GGT is 9 to 48 U/L Then, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 30 to 120 IU/L, will be elevated.
Hepatitis C is treated with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications. Your doctor will determine the hepatitis C genotype for a specific medication. About 75% of American are genotype 1a or 1b according to the American Liver Foundation. Thank you.

Hepatitis "C" has a specific serological test for its detection.

A BLOOD TEST--called Hepatitis C virus antigen

First the doctor needs to check the blood and perform liver function tests to see if there is actually something wrong with the liver. Then if those tests indicate something is wrong and it is indicative of something viral, the doctor (staff) will draw blood to check for the different types of Hepatitis, including C.

RB Thomas, MD