How is hepatitis C diagnosed, and what tests are used?

Hepatitis C is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. The following tests are used:

1. Hepatitis C Antibody Test (Anti-HCV): Detects antibodies against HCV, indicating exposure or infection.
2. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA Test: Measures the viral load (amount of HCV RNA) in the blood, confirming active infection.
3. HCV Genotype Test: Determines the HCV genotype, guiding treatment decisions.
4. Liver Function Tests (LFTs): Evaluates liver damage and function.
5. Complete Blood Count (CBC): Assesses overall health and detects anemia or low platelet count.
6. Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans assess liver damage and detect liver cancer.