A quantitative viral load test indicates how many copies of the virus are circulating in the blood. Like ALT s, the viral load can rise and fall over time, and does not necessarily predict the severity of liver disease. The most reliable way to find out whether you have any liver damage is to get a liver biopsy. A biopsy is an outpatient procedure that can be done in a few minutes with a local anaesthetic. A long, hollow needle is inserted just below the right ribs, into the liver, and a small tissue sample is removed to be examined under a microscope for signs of scarring and inflammation.
Biopsies can be painful, but the pain ,generally goes away within a few hours.
The results can help you decide about treatment. Some people choose a treatment combines two drugs - alpha interferon and ribavirin. While this treatment has been effective for a lot of people, it can have serious side effects and doesn't work for everyone. Since most people with Hepatitis C won't progress to cirrhosis, the decision about whether to try treatment involves balancing potential benefits and potential risks. These medications are generally not prescribed for heavy drinkers or injection drug users until at least 6 months after they have stopped drinking or injecting.