Better2Know’s instant Hepatitis C test provides you with confidential STI testing with fast, accurate results. Our private instant STI testing services are available at selected private sexual health clinics across the UK. Hepatitis C infections usually do not cause symptoms in the first years following infection. Around 200,000 people in the UK have Hepatitis C and do not know their status. There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of infection, and they can take years to become apparent. Symptoms can include feeling tired for no reason, muscle pain, joint pain and fever. If you are worried that you may have Hepatitis C from unprotected sex or sharing needles, even if this was years ago, then please get tested to prevent long term damage to your health.
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Better2Know’s Instant Hepatitis C Test
Choose Better2Know’s instant Hepatitis C test for confidential rapid results, and all the support you might need from our experienced sexual health advisors. If you have any concerns about whether you have been exposed to Hepatitis C, you should get tested as soon as possible.
When can I get tested?
An incubation period of up to six weeks is recommended for Better2Know’s instant Hepatitis C test. This is the minimum period between potential exposure and having the test. This is to ensure the accuracy of your confidential results.
When will I receive my results?
You will receive the results of your private instant Hepatitis C test from just 15 minutes after your blood sample has been collected. Your Better2Know doctors will give you your results and a copy of your Better2Know Rapid Test Results.
How accurate is my instant Hepatitis C test?
After the appropriate incubation period has elapsed, your Hepatitis C test is 100% accurate. Better2Know’s private STI tests and screens are regularly reviewed by our panel of medical experts, so you can rest assured that you are receiving the most up-to-date instant STI test available.
What other STIs should I get tested for?
Better2Know’s instant STI testing service provides confidential instant tests for seven common sexually transmitted infections. You can choose to add tests for HIV, Hepatitis B, Syphilis, Herpes 1 and 2, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.
Your Instant Hepatitis C Testing Process
Better2Know’s experienced sexual health advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience. They will listen to your circumstances, concerns and help you select the sexual health test or screen that most suits your requirements. Your call and appointment are completely confidential. You do not have to give us your real name at any time, and we will not share your results with anyone without your consent.
Book Your Instant Hepatitis C Test
Arranging your private appointment is quick, easy and stress-free. Simply get in touch with Better2Know either by phone or email or you can book online. We are here 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We will then send you confirmation of your booking and details of how to log into your patient area to see your appointment details and a map of the clinic.
Attending Better2Know’s Private Sexual Health Clinic
At your appointment, you will see one of our Better2Know clinicians. They will go through your instant Hepatitis C test, explain the testing process, and answer any questions that you have.
Sample Collection and Analysis
We need a small blood sample to run the instant Hepatitis C test. Normally, we will collect your sample using a lancet to prick your finger. Your sample is then applied to the test cassette, and a buffer solution is added to start the test. If your instant test is negative for Hepatitis C, only one line will appear. Reactive Hepatitis C tests will show two lines.
Hepatitis C Treatment if your test is reactive
If your instant Hepatitis C test is reactive for infection, we will ask you for a blood sample for further testing at our CPA accredited laboratories. If you are positive for Hepatitis C, Better2Know’s expert sexual health advisors can refer you to a specialist who will offer further advice and discuss your treatment options.
Hepatitis C: Transmission, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
Hepatitis C Transmission
Hepatitis C is a virus that can affect the liver. It can be transmitted through direct contact with the infected blood of someone with the virus. This can include:
- Unprotected sex including vaginal, anal or oral sexual contact
- Sharing needles
- Hepatitis C may also be transferred if you encounter contaminated objects such as needles, razors or toothbrushes
Many people in their 40s and 50s who shared needles when taking intravenous drugs as students and young adults find that they are significantly more tired with more muscle aches than their friends of the same age. A Hepatitis C test can help to establish whether this virus is the cause of this.
Hepatitis C Symptoms
Many people with Hepatitis C will not notice any symptoms in the first days, months and years of infection. The longer you are infected, the more likely you are to feel that something is not quite right. Symptoms can include:
- Fatigue: felling very tired
- Sore muscles
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Feeling sick, being sick or not feeling hungry
- Itchy skin
- Abdominal pain
Hepatitis C Treatment
There have been major advances in Hepatitis C treatments in recent years, with new medications now curing Hepatitis C for the first time. This does not reverse any damage caused, but it does stop anything worse from happening to you. Better2Know will refer you to a specialist to get this treatment.
Hepatitis C: Consequences of an Untreated Infection
If not found or left untreated, there are serious long-term health consequences of Hepatitis C, these include:
- Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), which may affect the function of your liver
- Liver Failure
- Liver Cancer
- Skin Problems
- Blood Disorders
- Weight Loss
Hepatitis C Prevention
You can help to prevent getting Hepatitis C, or passing it on to a new partner by:
- Using a condom for sex
- Not sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes, or any other objects that might be contaminated with infected blood
- Getting tested regularly
Book Your Private Instant Hepatitis C Test
Speak to a Better2Know sexual health advisor today by contacting us directly using the number displayed at the top of the page. We are happy to answer any additional questions as well as arranging your confidential appointment for a time and date that suits you. Alternatively, you can book online at any time.