Hello, tabithaschrier, Before 1992 we did not have reliable tests for diagnosing Hep-C viral infection. Now , we can not only correctly diagnose Hep-C viral infection, we can actually measure the virus count in an infected person and also find out the Geno type of the virus. In most cases, any time someone has abnormal liver tests that cannot be explained , always test for Hepatitis B & C. If a person has risk factors, like multiple sex partners, intravenous drug abuse, accidental needle prick and exposure to contaminated blood, sharing tooth brushes, razors, getting tattoos with dirty needles, all of these are risk factors and the doctor should know about this. When once the diagnosis is established, after the HCV RNA viral count, Geno type, the doctors can start treatment. The treatment consists of Interferon injections along with an antiviaral like Ribavirin orally. The duration of treatment any where from 24-48 weeks with close monitoring of blood tests. If by week 12 there is significant drop in viral count or disappearance, that is a good sign the treatment is working. Now there are newer more effective drug combinations for cure of this. If the damage to the liver is so severe and there is advanced cirrhosis with signs of liver failure, then transplantation can be considered. There are instances of Hep-C coming back after liver transplantation. Hope this gives you some insight into the problem. I wish you well.