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How it works

Should you take a test?

Hepatitis C often has no symptoms. The only way to know if you have hepatitis C it is to get tested.

You can become infected with hepatitis C through blood-to-blood contact with someone who has the virus.

Risk factors for hepatitis C include:

  • sharing needles

  • unprotected sex with an infected person

  • blood and organ donations done before 1992

If you’re not sure that you need a test, you can answer some questions to find out if you are at risk.

Find out if you should test for hepatitis C

What happens when you order a test

If you choose to order a test:

  1. We will send you a text message when the kit is dispatched. The kit will arrive through the post in discreet packaging.

  2. Read and follow the instructions in the kit to collect a few drops of blood from your fingertip. Watch our short video to see how to take your sample.

  3. Send the sample back to us in the pre-paid return box that comes with the kit.

  4. We'll text you when your sample arrives at the lab and again when your results are ready.

If you need help, you can contact our expert clinical team by replying to any of our text messages.

If you get a reactive result

A reactive test result might mean:

  • you had hepatitis C in the past

  • you have hepatitis C now

  • you have never had hepatitis C (a false positive result)

If your blood test shows a reaction for hepatitis C, you'll need another blood test to find out if you have hepatitis C now.

We will refer you to a specialist hepatitis C nurse. They will help you to access a local service that is convenient for you.

If you are diagnosed with a hepatitis C infection, you can get free treatment from the HSE.

Treatment involves taking tablets for 8 to 12 weeks. Most people find the tablets very easy to take and they have very few side effects. The tablets are effective at clearing the infection in more than 95% of people.