Hepatitis C is a global problem caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is a blood-borne virus that infects approximately 200 million people worldwide. Laboratory testing plays an important role in diagnosing HCV, evaluating patients for treatment, monitoring patients during treatment, and following up after treatment. There are 6 major genotypes of HCV with genotypes 1 and 4 being more difficult to treat and less responsive to interferon-based therapy.