Hepatitis C is a liver infection resulting from Hepatitis C virus (HCV). This infection can lead to serious, long-term health problems if undiagnosed and untreated. We provide detailed information and support to ensure you understand the condition and when to get tested.
Undergoing a Hepatitis C test is an important step in taking charge of your health, especially if you were previously in a situation that increased your risk of exposure. We advise testing for people with a higher risk of contracting Hepatitis C. We also recommend Hepatitis C testing for people who had an organ transplant or blood transfusion before 1992 because blood products weren’t screened for HCV at the time.
If you experience symptoms that may indicate liver disease, such as abdominal pain, jaundice, or fatigue, ensure you get tested. For people living with HIV, testing for Hepatitis C is necessary due to the risk of co-infection, which complicates the management and treatment of both conditions. Additionally, testing is also necessary for people born to mothers with Hepatitis C because the virus can be transmitted from mother to child during birth. We provide support throughout the process with compassionate and confidential care.
Early Hepatitis C detection through testing is vital because it prevents health complications, informsmaking necessary lifestyle adjustments, and guides healthcare professionals to offer appropriate care.
Hepatitis C testing requires a blood sample. No special preparation is necessary, but we recommend staying hydrated and informing your healthcare provider if you take any medications.
Our experienced healthcare practitioner will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm while ensuring you are comfortable during the procedure.
We will treat your results with utmost confidentiality. Results are usually available within a few days, and we will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss your results and any further steps.
Packages |
Price |
Test for |
Turnaround |
Accurate |
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Blood |
Urine |
Swab |
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Bronze |
£250 |
Syphilis and HIV I/II antibodies |
Gonorrhoea and chlamydia |
Blood – 24 hours |
At 28 days post-exposure |
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Silver |
£325 -men £375 – women |
Herpes, HIV I/II antibodies, and Syphilis |
Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Gardnerella, Ureaplasma, Trichomoniasis and Mycoplasma |
Additional swabs for women to screen for Bacteria Vaginosis and Candida |
Blood – 24 hrs Urine – 3 days Swab – 3 days |
At 28 days post-exposure |
|
Gold |
£475 – men £490 – women |
Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C, HIV I/II Antibodies |
Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Gardnerella, Ureaplasma, Trichomoniasis, Herpes IGM and Mycoplasma |
Additional swabs for women screening for Gardnerella, Ureaplasma, Trichomoniasis, Bacteria Vaginosis and Candida |
Blood – 24 hrs Urine – 3 days Swab – 3 days |
At 28 days post-exposure and conclusive at 90 days after exposure |
|
Platinum |
£625 – men £665 – women |
Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C, HIV I/II Antibodies |
Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Gardnerella, Ureaplasma, Trichomoniasis, Herpes IGM and Mycoplasma |
Additional swabs for women screening for Gardnerella, Ureaplasma, Trichomoniasis, Bacteria Vaginosis, and Candida |
Blood – 24 hrs Urine – 3 days HPV swab – 2 days Swab – 3 days |
At 28 days post-exposure and conclusive at 90 days after exposure |
Our Platinum Screen and Gold package cover the same STD tests, but the Platinum Screen has additional human papillomavirus (HPV) swabs, including 16, 18, and high-risk types.
You can contact Sexual Health Clinic London to book your Hepatitis C test or for more information on our confidential and private testing services.
Most people with Hepatitis C do not show symptoms until their liver is damaged. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, jaundice, and fatigue.
Hepatitis C usually spreads bycontact with infected blood. Risk factors include sharing unsterile tattoo equipment and needles and blood transfusions from an unscreened donor.
The frequency of Hepatitis C testing depends on exposure and individual risk factors. People with ongoing risk factors, like those on haemodialysis or active intravenous drug users, need more frequent testing, usually every 6 – 12 months. If you havepreviously had treatment for Hepatitis C, your healthcare professional may recommend regular check-ups to ensure you haven’t been re-infected. People without current risk factors but who hadpast potential exposure in the past may benefit from a one-time testing.
Yes, it can. Hepatitis C has a treatment and cure. With recent advances in medical treatments, antiviral medications that can clear HCV from the body are available, leading to a cure. Being cured means the virus isn’t in the blood for 12 – 24 weeks after treatment, known as a sustained virologic response (SVR). Treatment duration and regimens may vary, so discussing personalised care with the healthcare provider is necessary.
Living with Hepatitis C requires certain lifestyle changes to maintain your overall liver health and manage the condition. These may include being cautious with medications, including over-the-counter medications that may adversely affect your liver health, and avoiding alcohol because it may cause further liver damage.
Regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding new exposure to the virus are also necessary. These lifestyle changes can significantly affect your quality of life and health outcomes.