Diagnosis of Hepatitis C

The process of diagnosing hepatitis C includes taking a medical history and performing a physical exam. When a liver problem such as hepatitis is suspected, additional tests are used to confirm the hepatitis C diagnosis. Because several conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of hepatitis C, the healthcare provider will need to rule them out before making a diagnosis of hepatitis C.

 

Diagnosis of Hepatitis C: An Overview

In order to make a diagnosis of hepatitis C, the healthcare provider will ask a number of questions, including questions about the patient's:
 
  • Current symptoms
  • Other medical conditions
  • Current medications
  • Family history of medical conditions.
     
The healthcare provider will also perform a physical exam looking of signs or symptoms of hepatitis C. If the healthcare provider suspects a liver problem, he or she may recommend certain tests or procedures. These hepatitis C tests can include:
 
  • Liver enzyme test
  • Viral RNA (HCV RNA) test measured with PCR
  • Liver biopsy.
     
(Click Hepatitis C Test for more information on these tests used to make a hepatitis C diagnosis.)
 

Diagnosing Hepatitis C or Another Medical Condition

Before diagnosing hepatitis C, the healthcare provider will also consider other conditions that can share similar symptoms or signs with hepatitis C.
 These other medical conditions may include:
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD