Hepatitis C is diagnosed using an antibody test. By testing for the presence of antibodies we are able to tell whether you have been exposed to the Hepatitis C virus at some point in your life. If your antibody test result is positive, a Hepatitis C RNA PCR test will be performed which will confirm whether you are currently infected with the virus. If your Hepatitis C RNA PCR test is negative this indicates that you have a resolved Hepatitis C infection and no further action needs to be taken.

The accuracy of the Hepatitis C antibody test is between 97 to 99%, meaning that it is unlikely to receive a false positive result.

However, there is a window period of 2 weeks to 6 months between the initial infection and the production of antibodies. If you test before this window period, you may receive a false negative.

Hepatitis C is a bloodborne virus, therefore a blood sample is needed as the virus resides most strongly in the blood. Most incidents of exposure occur through direct contact with infected blood.

The Incubation time for Hepatitis C is 2 weeks to 6 months. You should get tested for Hepatitis C if you have known exposure (for example, if you have had sex or shared a needle with someone who has the infection), you are a sex worker, drug user, engage in chemsex, travelling to or from a country with high prevalence of Hepatitis C, or if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine and pale faeces
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)

Most people who have a new Hepatitis C infection tend to show no symptoms at all and continue not to show symptoms until years later. It may be possible to have chronic Hepatitis C and not know about it until you begin to show signs of potential liver damage.

Apart from the Hepatitis C antibody test there is another test used to diagnose your Hepatitis C status known as the Hepatitis C RNA PCR. This test is used to detect whether the Hepatitis C virus is currently present within your body.

Your Hepatitis C test results can be affected by:

The time of your test

Testing too early after exposure may result in a false negative result as your body has not had time to create antibodies. You should get tested 6 to 12 weeks after exposure to lower the chances of getting a false positive.

Having a previous Hepatitis C infection

If you have previously been infected with Hepatitis C, you may still have the antibodies present in your body. This can result in a positive antibody test result even if you have not been exposed to Hepatitis C recently. If this happens, you will also need to have a Hepatitis C RNA PCR test to determine if the virus is currently active in your body or not.

Here are a few tips on how to prepare for your appointment:

• Try to remember (as much as possible) the details of why you are visiting. For example, if you are showing symptoms, try to remember when these started and the potential cause of exposure.
• Drink lots of water beforehand to ensure that you are well hydrated and your veins are visible and easy to find. This ensures that we are able to take your blood sample as smoothly as possible. You do not need to hold your urine.
• Wear a half-sleeved, or an easy to pull up jumper, so that your arm is easily accessible.
• Relax, Clarewell Clinics is a safe space. Your medical history with us is completely confidential so you can be as open and honest as you wish to be with us.

Yes.

All test results, and information you share with us, are confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone. We are a private clinic and therefore do not pass your information onto the NHS.

If you are testing with us, the results take 30 minutes for a Hepatitis C antibody test.

If this test is reactive, we will run a complimentary Hepatitis C RNA PCR for confirmation - this can take 4 hours for results to arrive.

You can receive your Hepatitis C results by either text or email.

We recommend that you practice safe sex whilst waiting for your test results. You should also avoid doing anything where your blood can come in contact with another individual, for example, sharing needles, toothbrushes, and body-piercing jewellery.

A positive antibody test result indicates that you have been infected with Hepatitis C at some point in your life. It does not necessarily mean that you are currently infected.

Following a positive result, a Hepatitis C RNA PCR test will be run to see whether the virus is present and reproducing. If your PCR test is positive, it means you are currently infected. If your result is negative you will be asked to repeat the test after 6 months. A negative Hepatitis C RNA PCR result means that you are not currently infected with the virus but instead had a past, resolved, infection that led to the development of antibodies.

If your antibody test is negative but you have known exposure (or displaying symptoms) then it may be worth requesting a PCR test to be certain of your result. It is possible that your antibody test can be negative and your PCR test be positive. This is because the antibody test picks up the presence of antibodies, not the presence of the virus. As antibodies take around 6-12 weeks to develop, your clinician may advise you to retest, or offer a PCR test depending on your individual situation.

It is important to discuss this question with your clinician as they will have a better understanding of your individual situation and will be able to advise you better.

It is essential to tell your partner(s) that you have tested positive so they can get tested and prevent the infection from spreading to other people.

Yes, we provide a certificate of testing.

Please let us know at the time that you would like a certificate of testing and bring a proof of ID (passport or driving licence).