In June 2013, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first test for detecting the various genotypes of hepatitis C. This blood/serum test should only be used for those diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C, and not for routine screening of the virus.
The Abbott RealTime HCV Genotype II test can distinguish among the following genotypes: 1, 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Although there are 6 main genotypes worldwide, 1–4 are seen most often in the US.
Knowing one’s genotype can result in better outcomes should the patient choose to go on treatment. This is because different medication regimens are used to treat the various genotypes of hepatitis C.