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If you think you are at risk for hepatitis C, it is important that you get tested as soon as possible. Hepatitis C is diagnosed based on the results of specific blood tests so the first step is to ask your doctor to perform a blood test for hepatitis C.
Routine blood tests, like the ones you might get at your annual physical examination, do not test for hepatitis C so it is important to request a specific test for hepatitis C from your doctor. Your doctor may choose to do these tests by himself/herself or refer you to a gastrotenterologist or a hepatologist.
The most commonly used tests are the ELISA which stands for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. These tests detects the presence of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus in the blood, and the HCV RNA test, which directly detects hepatitis C virus particles in the blood.
The ELISA and HCV RNA tests are very sensitive and false-negative and false-positive results usually do not occur.
Other tests may be done, including liver enzyme tests, which may indicate the presence of liver damage, and liver biopsy, which can help a doctor determine the severity of liver damage and disease caused by hepatitis C.
Those who test positive for hepatitis C virus will have a genotyping blood test to determine what type of hepatitis C virus they have--this "genotype" can determine which treatment is appropriate and how long it should be given.
See also:
Visiting Your Doctor
Next Steps If You're Hepatitis C Positive
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