If HCV infection is found, it may not change the treatment of
PCT (by phlebotomy or low-dose chloroquine). Treatment
for PCT is highly successful even in patients with HCV. Therefore, it is reasonable to treat the PCT first and then look into treatment for HCV later.
There are reasons not to treat the HCV infection before treating the PCT. HCV treatment with alpha-interferon and ribavirin is available but is often not effective.