Hepatitis B test in Chiswick, London

What the test measures

Hepatitis B is a liver infection spread through blood and body fluids. It can be passed on through sex without a condom, shared needles, tattoo or medical equipment that has not been sterilised, and from mother to baby at birth. Most people have no symptoms or only mild ones. If the infection lasts longer than 6 months, it is called chronic hepatitis B.

This test looks for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), a protein from the outer coat of the virus. Finding it in your blood means the virus is currently present. It does not check immunity: for that, our hepatitis B immunity test measures surface antibody, and the hepatitis B core antibody test shows whether you have ever been infected.

Testing at Omnia is confidential and non-judgemental. The price includes your blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request. No GP referral is needed and most results are ready within a few working days.

Who it is for

• You have had sex without a condom with a new partner or a partner with hepatitis B.
• You have shared needles or other injecting equipment.
• You have had a tattoo, piercing or medical treatment where equipment may not have been sterile.
• You have lived in or travelled to parts of the world where hepatitis B is more common, such as sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia.
• You are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and want to check your status.

Free testing is available through NHS sexual health clinics and your GP. Private testing suits people who want speed, privacy or a booked appointment.

Understanding your result

Negative: no surface antigen was found. UK guidance from BASHH notes that surface antigen usually becomes detectable 30 to 60 days after exposure, so a very early test can miss an infection. Your practitioner may suggest repeating it.

Positive: the virus is present in your blood. Many adults clear a new infection on their own, but a positive result always needs follow-up with a liver (hepatology) specialist, usually arranged through your GP, to confirm the result and decide on care. A result simply starts that conversation, and your practitioner will explain each step.

Get urgent help: if you were exposed in the last few days, go to a sexual health clinic or A&E promptly. Emergency hepatitis B vaccination works best when started as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, and should still be considered up to a week after exposure. If your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow, contact your GP urgently or call NHS 111.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is needed. Note the date of any possible exposure and bring your vaccination record if you have one.

Hepatitis B is often tested with other infections. Compare all STI tests, add a hepatitis C test from the same sample, or see every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a hepatitis B test in Chiswick?

The hepatitis B test costs £49 at our Chiswick clinic. This includes your blood sample, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a confidential practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Does this test show if I am immune?

No. It checks for current infection only. The hepatitis B immunity test shows protection from vaccination or past infection.

Where can I get a hepatitis B test in London?

You can book directly with us in Chiswick W4 with no GP referral. NHS sexual health clinics and GPs also offer testing.

Is there a vaccine?

Yes. In the UK, babies are vaccinated routinely, and adults at higher risk can be vaccinated. Your practitioner can advise.