for Veterans and the Public
Understanding Lab Tests: Overview - Hepatitis C for Patients
Once you've been diagnosed with hepatitis C, your VA provider probably will order several to learn about your liver health and your overall health. These tests will help determine which drug therapy is most appropriate to treat your hepatitis C.
Some tests are repeated while you are on treatment to see if the treatment is working and to monitor for side effects. 10-12 weeks after you complete the Hepatitis C treatment, a final test is ordered to see if the treatment was successful, and if you have been cured. This is a very important test and should not be missed.
If you have scarring of the liver, or cirrhosis, you may be asked to complete tests on a regular basis. These tests will monitor your liver health and guide additional treatments to prevent worsening liver function.
In the following sections, you can learn about the tests, why your provider may have ordered them, and what the results mean.
Normal values for laboratory tests can vary from one lab to another. Check with your provider on the normal range for your lab tests.