Tests and Exams You Need for Hep C

Managing hepatitis C can mean repeating certain tests to see how your body is responding to treatment. Here's what to ask your doctor so that you're better prepared.

Written by Jameson Kowalczyk. Medically reviewed in November 2022 by Mark Arredondo, MD.

To find out how well your hepatitis C treatment plan is working or to prescribe new treatment, your doctor will do a physical exam to look for any signs of liver damage, such as a swollen abdomen, yellowish skin or, in men, excess breast tissue. Your doctor may also want to repeat some laboratory tests, such as a complete blood count, viral titers or various liver enzyme tests, to see how the infection is progressing.

To understand which tests you need and what the results mean for your long-term health, ask your doctor:

What genotype(s) of the hepatitis C virus do I have and what does that mean for my treatment plan?
How often will I need to repeat the viral load test?
How often will I need to repeat a liver function test?
Should I be tested for other causes of liver disease, such as hepatitis B?
Do I need a liver biopsy?
Do I need any other tests, such as an ultrasound, CT or MRI of my abdomen?
Should I be tested for HIV?