Hepatitis C test in Chiswick, London

What the test measures

Hepatitis C is a virus that affects the liver. You can get it if blood from an infected person gets into your bloodstream, for example through shared needles or injecting equipment, or tattoo, piercing or medical equipment that has not been sterilised. Most people with hepatitis C have no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know.

This test looks for antibodies your immune system makes against hepatitis C. A positive antibody result shows you have been infected at some point, but not whether the virus is still there, because some people clear it naturally and their antibodies remain. A positive result is followed by a hepatitis C PCR test, which looks for the virus itself and confirms whether you have a current infection.

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 ever injected drugs, even once or a long time ago.
• You have had a tattoo, piercing or medical treatment where equipment may not have been sterile.
• You have shared razors or toothbrushes with someone who has hepatitis C.
• You had a blood transfusion in the UK before 1996.
• A partner or family member has hepatitis C.
• You want a full sexual health or liver check.

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

Understanding your result

Negative: no antibodies were found. UK guidance from BASHH notes that antibodies can take 12 weeks or more to appear after exposure, so if your risk was recent, your practitioner may suggest repeating the test later.

Positive: you have been exposed to hepatitis C. The next step is a PCR test to check whether the virus is still active. If it is, hepatitis C is treated with antiviral tablets taken every day for 8 to 12 weeks, and treatment cures most people. Your practitioner will explain the result and help you arrange specialist follow-up through your GP.

Get help promptly: if your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow, contact your GP urgently or call NHS 111. After a needlestick injury, go to A&E or your occupational health service straight away, as urgent treatment may be needed for other infections.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is needed. Tell your practitioner if you have had hepatitis C before, as antibodies usually stay positive after cure and a PCR test may be more useful.

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

Questions

How much is a hepatitis C test in Chiswick?

The hepatitis C antibody 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. If a PCR test is needed, it costs £199.

Where can I get a hepatitis C test in London?

You can book directly with us in Chiswick W4 with no GP referral. NHS services and GPs also offer free testing.

Is hepatitis C curable?

Yes, in most people. Treatment is a course of antiviral tablets, usually for 8 to 12 weeks.

Can I get hepatitis C again?

Yes. Being cured does not protect you from a new infection, so keep reducing your risk and test again if you are exposed.