Get a free, home self-test kit for hepatitis C

Risk factors for hepatitis C include:

• Previous or current drug use via injection
• Being in the criminal justice system
• Being born, or having lived, in a country where hepatitis C is endemic (always expected to have a presence)

This includes countries in South Asia such as:

• Pakistan
• India
• Bangladesh
• Where people can come into contact with infected blood through methods such as medical procedures, blood transfusions and products or equipment used within cosmetic services

Who are the self-testing kits for?

The kits aim to reach those who may not be already engaged with other services such as drug and alcohol support or people who may have been potentially exposed to hepatitis C in the past. Other people the kits aim to reach are those who are not engaged with other services such as prison and probation services or who do not feel they can approach their GP.

Usually, hepatitis C is treated with a free course of prescribed tablets. Most people find that after taking the tablets for 8 to 12 weeks, they are cured. Thankfully, modern treatment is easy to take and usually has little side effects.

The test requires a tiny blood sample, which is retrieved from a finger prick. The blood sample is then dropped into a test tube and posted to a lab to be analysed. If you receive a positive test result, you will be contacted and referred for treatment.

Via the NHS website.

Other useful links:

• British Liver Trust
• The Hepatitis C Trust