The use of laboratory testing in the diagnosis and care of patients with chronic hepatitis C will be discussed. We will focus on the current knowledge base in hepatology- liver function tests (as opposed to liver enzyme levels), liver biopsy, and the labs necessary to assess and monitor patients in all stages of the disease. This lecture will include general information in hepatology that can be applied to other liver pathologies. We will include information on the pharmacology of standard allopathic treatment for hepatitis C and the side effects and related lab testing during treatment