The genetic material of the hepatitis C virus is single-stranded RNA. Patients can be tested for hepatitis C for HCV RNA positive about 2 weeks after exposure to the virus, much earlier than testing for anti-HCV antibodies. Quantitative HCV RNA testing by PCR is highly sensitive and can help detect HCV virus even at very low blood levels.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for many important functions such as nutrition, blood filtration, and fighting infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its functions are affected. There are many causes of hepatitis, including alcohol, toxins, drugs, infections, and many other diseases.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for many important functions such as nutrition, blood filtration, and fighting infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its functions are affected. There are many causes of hepatitis, including alcohol, toxins, drugs, infections, and many other diseases.

Testing for Hepatitis C is essential for early diagnosis of infection. Anti-HCV testing is the initial test to assess whether the patient is infected with Hepatitis C or not. From there, appropriate treatment methods can be developed.

Fatty liver is a common histological finding in patients with hepatitis C infection. Because HCV is known to hijack lipid metabolic pathways for virion maturation and secretion, several possible mechanisms for HCV-induced hepatic steatosis have been suggested.