How is Hepatitis C Diagnosed?
DiagnosisAt NewYork-Presbyterian, our doctors use the latest technologies to detect and deduce the severity of hepatitis C in our patients. Depending on the patient, doctors may recommend:
- Blood tests. These tests can detect certain antibodies in a patient's blood that reveal whether an individual is infected. Blood tests may also be performed to examine a patient's liver enzymes.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan. A procedure that uses a computer linked to an X-ray machine to take detailed pictures of areas inside the body. Doctors use this to examine the liver, determine the extent of the damage and search for cancerous cells.
- Ultrasound. An imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures from inside the body. Doctors use this to examine the liver, determine the extent of the damage and search for cancerous cells.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A procedure that uses radio waves, a powerful magnet, and a computer to take detailed pictures of areas inside the body. Doctors use this to examine the liver, determine the extent of the damage and search for cancerous cells.
- Liver biopsy (removal and examination of a sample of liver tissue). A procedure where tissue samples are removed from your liver and checked for signs of damage or disease.
- FibroScan. This procedure uses sound waves to measure the stiffness of liver tissue. Stiffness is a sign of fibrosis.
- Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE). A new test that uses both ultrasound technology and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In an MRE test, a computer program creates a map that shows liver stiffness in the body.
Screening for hepatitis C
Chronic infection with HCV can lead to cirrhosis and/or liver cancer. Screening can identify an infection in earlier stages, and treatment has a high likelihood of curing the infection. NewYork-Presbyterian offers many treatment plans to treat symptoms of HCV.
How is Hepatitis C Treated?
TreatmentSome people may clear the infection on their own, but it will become a chronic infection in most patients. However, when the infection becomes chronic, hepatitis C treatment is necessary. The drugs that are best for you will depend on the genotype of your HCV infection, your treatment history, and your liver health.
Your healthcare team will assess you carefully and recommend the drugs that are likely to be most effective for you, providing monitoring and counseling throughout your treatment and beyond.
Medication
Hepatitis C infection is treated with antiviral medications with the goal of curing the disease. Direct-acting antiviral medications (DAAs) are the newest, fastest-acting, and most highly effective medicine available. Many hepatitis C treatment regimens are available, and your doctor will choose the option that is covered by your insurance and most likely to lead to a cure.
NewYork-Presbyterian physicians were leaders in the clinical trials that ultimately led to the approval of sofosbuvir and continue to participate in trials with newer medications. The choice of medications and length of treatment depend on the hepatitis C genotype, existing liver damage, other medical conditions, and prior treatments. Throughout treatment, your care team will monitor your response to the medications.
Liver transplant
If serious complications develop from chronic hepatitis C infection, you may require a liver transplant. During a liver transplant, the surgeon removes your damaged liver and replaces it with a healthy liver. A liver transplant alone doesn't cure hepatitis C, but antiviral medication will prevent damage to the new liver. Research shows that DAAs can cure hepatitis C after a transplant.
NewYork-Presbyterian's Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation excels in providing liver transplantation to people with HCV and has more clinical experience caring for these patients than most hospitals. We have a distinguished track record for liver transplantation and a multidisciplinary team of world-renowned leaders in the field to treat and potentially cure HCV in liver transplant patients.
Vaccination
Although there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, it is recommended that you are vaccinated against the hepatitis A and B viruses. These separate viruses also cause liver damage and can complicate the treatment and recovery from chronic hepatitis C.
This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Hepatitis C Treatment
At NewYork-Presbyterian, your healthcare team may include hepatologists (liver doctors), infectious disease specialists, surgeons, nurses, physician assistants, psychiatrists, and others with experience caring for people with hepatitis C and other liver disorders. We understand the severity of this disease, the need to identify symptoms to treat it as early as possible, and the need for follow-up care to ensure you stay healthy and prevent re-infection.
Your team includes internationally renowned leaders in hepatitis C research, ensuring you are receiving the most up-to-date therapies available today. Schedule an appointment to discuss treatments with one of our hepatitis specialists today.