title: A rational use of laboratory tests in the diagnosis and management of hepatitis C virus infection.
abstract: The prevalence of HCV infection is very diversified according to geographical areas and ranges from 1% in the Northern regions of the world to more than 20% as we move South. Due to the presence of HCV-associated liver diseases and the development of effective treatments, the diagnosis of HCV infection is a growing medical need. Several tests are available, from simple screening to identify the presence of anti-HCV antibodies to the more sophisticated quantification of viral load and genotyping. However, these tests are to be used in a logical, consequential and cost-effective manner. This review article will report on the protocol in use in the North-Eastern part of Italy for the screening and diagnosis of HCV infection. The protocol is based on a consensus among several experts and may be the basis for a more rational approach in this rapidly growing field.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Medicine Sciences, UCO Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Trieste, and IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: Gianna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dal Molin
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tiribelli
authors.forename: Cesare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Campello
mesh_terms: D005820:Genetic Testing; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening