Getting Tested

Importance of Testing

Laboratory testing is extremely important before, during, and after treatment. Testing helps your doctor to determine what treatment is right for you. Once you're on treatment, your doctor needs to know what's happening inside your body. Test results help your doctor to steer the course of your therapy; it may need to be adjusted, or even stopped.

After the doctor has determined the effectiveness of your treatment, he or she may set a schedule for regular follow-up testing. Changes to your condition can happen at any time, so it's critical for you to make every scheduled lab or test visit. You may feel okay, but some developments can only be seen under a microscope or in a specialized test.

Types and Frequency of Tests

Before Starting Therapy - Before starting therapy, female patients must test negative for pregnancy, and female partners of male patients must also have a negative pregnancy test. At your first examination, your doctor will probably take a full medical history to determine the state of your health. Other diseases or conditions you may already have (such as diabetes, viral or autoimmune disorders, or cardiac disorders) can affect your hepatitis C and the choice for treatment.

During Therapy - Frequent visits to your doctor at the beginning of therapy are necessary for the recommended schedule of tests. You'll need lab testing at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12. After that you'll be tested at 6-week intervals, or more frequently if your doctor requests a test. If a problem arises, even more frequent testing in a specific area may be necessary.

If you're a woman, you'll get a pregnancy test every month during therapy; if a man, your female partner will be tested for pregnancy every month during therapy.

After Therapy - After you complete your therapy, your doctor may repeat some of the same tests that were done when you were first diagnosed with hepatitis C. These tests will reveal the amount of virus left in your blood and how your liver is working. If the amount of virus in your blood is undetectable 6 months after completing treatment, then you are said to have reached a sustained virologic response (SVR). People who attain an SVR are less likely to develop serious liver damage in the future.

If you're a woman, you'll get a pregnancy test every month for 6 months after completing therapy; if a man, your female partner will be tested for pregnancy every month for 6 months after completing therapy.

Other Tests

Your doctor may schedule other types of tests throughout your course of treatment:

• Regular blood tests determine the number and properties of blood cells and chemicals in the blood, and show anemia and other blood disorders.
• Thyroid and liver function tests are performed at the first exam and at regular intervals.
• An eye exam is recommended for the first visit for everyone. For patients with existing eye problems, periodic exams will be performed.

If you have a history of any cardiac problem, an evaluation or stress test and electrocardiogram (ECG) will be done before starting treatment, and you'll be tested throughout therapy. Be sure to report any symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or general weakness.

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