Diagnostic tests for hepatitis C

Two categories of virological assays are in practice used for the diagnosis and management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, including serological and molecular biology-based assays. Serological assays include: screening tests based on enzyme immunoassays (EIAs); supplemental “analytical” assays based on immunoblot testing; and serological assays detecting genotype-specific antibodies for the serological determination of HCV genotype, so-called “serotyping” assays. Molecular assays include: qualitative assays, detecting HCV RNA in body fluids; quantitative assays measuring HCV viral load, a parameter that estimates the level of HCV replication in the liver; and tests analyzing the sequence of HCV genomes (genotyping assays).