Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotyping is a molecular analysis that identifies the genotype and subtype of the hepatitis C virus strain present in a patient. There are at least six major genotypes (1 through 6) with several subtypes (e.g., 1a, 1b, 2a, 3a, etc.). Genotyping is a crucial step before starting treatment, as the effectiveness of some medications, the required treatment duration, and the likelihood of success vary considerably among different genotypes.