Which laboratory finding would support a diagnosis of hepatitis C?

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Multiple Choice

Which laboratory finding would support a diagnosis of hepatitis C?

Positive anti-HCV antibodies indicate exposure to hepatitis C virus and are used as a screening tool to support a diagnosis. They show that the immune system has encountered the virus. However, to confirm active infection, a test for HCV RNA is needed, since antibodies can persist even after the virus is cleared. By contrast, elevated amylase points to pancreatic issues, hyperkalemia isn’t a typical feature of hepatitis C, and bilirubin is usually elevated in liver dysfunction, not low. So the finding that best supports hepatitis C is positive anti-HCV antibodies.

Positive anti-HCV antibodies indicate exposure to hepatitis C virus and are used as a screening tool to support a diagnosis. They show that the immune system has encountered the virus. However, to confirm active infection, a test for HCV RNA is needed, since antibodies can persist even after the virus is cleared. By contrast, elevated amylase points to pancreatic issues, hyperkalemia isn’t a typical feature of hepatitis C, and bilirubin is usually elevated in liver dysfunction, not low. So the finding that best supports hepatitis C is positive anti-HCV antibodies.

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