Get Tested
The only way to know if you have hepatitis C is to get tested for it. The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can start treatment and prevent damage to your liver.
Where can I get a test?
We know that many in our community don’t often go to a GP or access primary health care services. It can be pretty tough as an injecting drug user and there’s often a lot of stigma.
At the Needle Exchange, we are working with other health services and professionals to make accessing hepatitis C testing and treatment as easy as possible. This is why we offer hepatitis C testing in many of our exchanges. Speak to staff at your local exchange to find out whether this is available in your area, and to find out more information.
You can also ask your GP or primary health service for a test. Many pharmacies also offer hepatitis C testing including some within the needle exchange programme. Click here to find out where your nearest needle exchange pharmacy is.
What is involved in a hepatitis C test?
- Antibody Test
Blood test or fingerprick test to check for antibodies → if the test is positive, you have been exposed to hepatitis C - RNA Test
Blood test to check if there is hepatitis C in your blood - Fibroscan
Painless test to see if you have any liver damage
What do my test results mean?
Antibody Test | Virus Test | What does it mean? |
Test is positive | Test is positive | You have Hep C |
Test is positive | Test is negative | You have been exposed to Hep C but you don’t have the virus now |
Test is positive | Not tested for virus | You have been exposed to Hep C but weren’t tested to see if you have the virus |
Test is negative | Not tested for virus | You have not been exposed to Hep C and you weren’t tested for the virus |
Test is negative | Test is negative | You have never come into contact with or been infected with Hep C virus |
