... international normalized ratio (INR), and a liver panel. Although the serum aminotransferase level correlates poorly with liver histology, the ratio of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine ... is a common cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV antibody and HCV RNA testing are available diagnostic studies that offer high degree of accuracy. Current standard ... HCC, and mortality. In addition, HCV infection has been linked to a variety of extra-hepatic manifestations such as autoimmune diseases, lymphoma, monoclonal gammopathies and cryoglobulinemia....