However, data presented at this Consensus Conference indicated that significant uncertainty remains regarding indications for treatment. Treatment options and a listing of VA protocols will be the subject of a separate Information Letter. A number of serologic tests are available for diagnosis and evaluation of HCV infection. They contain HCV antigens and detect the presence of antibodies to those antigens. The EIA tests have sensitivities in the range of 92 to 95 percent.
Specificities depend on the risk stratification pre-testing.
If that is also positive the patient has, or has had, HCV infection. In high-risk patients who are EIA positive, particularly if there is evidence of liver disease, supplemental testing with RIBA or HCV RNA analysis is probably unnecessary. Quantitative RNA tests may be useful in the selection and monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. All patients will be evaluated with respect to risk factors for hepatitis C, and this assessment documented in the patient s chart. Repeat testing based on individual risk Individual patient care decisions regarding counseling, further testing and potential treatment options are necessary.