Hepatitis C is a virus that causes liver disease and inflammation of the liver. It is diagnosed through blood tests to determine whether it is acute or chronic. A liver biopsy may also be suggested. Most cases of Hepatitis C are chronic in nature and this occurs when the body cannot rid itself of the virus.
Patients with chronic Hepatitis C may not become symptomatic for many years, but without treatment, severe liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer are possible.
Blood testing will determine whether you have chronic disease. Hepatitis C RNA by PCR (viral load) and Genotype are two very important tests that will be ordered. They are used to confirm the diagnosis, act as prognostic indicators for potential eradication of the virus and determine your treatment regimen.
At Premier Medical Group, our physicians can provide the latest treatment modalities, as well as educational programs for our patients.