Current and future hepatitis C virus diagnostic testing: problems and advancements

Microbes Infect. 2002 Oct;4(12):1227-36. doi: 10.1016/s1286-4579(02)01650-7.

Abstract

Serological antibody assays used in hepatitis C virus diagnosis have improved in sensitivity and specificity. However, detection of active viremia or monitoring levels of virus during or after patient treatment is most commonly undertaken using nucleic acid-based technologies. Advancements in diagnostic technologies and implications for managing patients with hepatitis C in various clinical settings are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Genotype
  • Hepacivirus / genetics
  • Hepacivirus / immunology
  • Hepacivirus / isolation & purification*
  • Hepatitis C / blood
  • Hepatitis C / diagnosis*
  • Hepatitis C / genetics
  • Hepatitis C / immunology
  • Hepatitis C Antibodies / blood*
  • Humans
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / trends
  • Serologic Tests / methods
  • Serologic Tests / trends*
  • Viremia / diagnosis
  • Viremia / virology

Substances

  • Hepatitis C Antibodies
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic