NHS Home Testing for Hepatitis C

The NHS’s confidential home testing service for hepatitis C has now been used by more than 100,000 people across England, marking a major step towards eliminating the virus as a public health threat.

Since its launch in May 2023, over 105,000 people have ordered a free test kit. So far, testing has identified hundreds of hidden cases, with around 225 people already receiving life-saving treatment.

Hepatitis C is often called a “silent” infection because many people have no symptoms for years. But if left untreated, it can cause serious liver disease, liver failure, or cancer. The good news is that today’s antiviral medicines mean more than 90% of people can be cured with just a short course of tablets.

People aged 35–49 are currently the most likely to test positive, so the NHS is urging anyone who might be at risk to take advantage of the free, confidential home testing service. Ordering a test is quick, easy, and could save your life.

• The most common risk factors include:

• Injecting drug use or sharing needles

• Sharing drug-related equipment

• A history of prison

  
  

Find out more and order a test through the NHS hepatitis C home testing portal. Home - HepC