A rational use of laboratory tests in the diagnosis and management of hepatitis C virus infection.

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.