References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Combined finger-prick blood testing can screen for syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C in one simple sample. These three blood-borne infections can all be silent for years, so testing is the only reliable way to know your status. Modern home kits and NHS services offer this combined panel either as a standalone test or as part of a comprehensive STI screen.
Here’s what’s included.
Order a discreet home STI test
What’s Tested
| Infection | What’s Detected |
|---|---|
| Syphilis | Treponemal antibodies (indicates exposure or active infection) |
| Hepatitis B | Surface antigen (HBsAg) — current infection |
| Hepatitis C | Anti-HCV antibody — past or current exposure |
Why These Three Together?
- All three are blood-borne
- All three can be silent for years
- All three are serious but treatable
- Convenient single sample collection
Who Should Test?
- Anyone with new sexual partners
- People who have ever injected drugs
- Men who have sex with men
- People from countries with high hepatitis prevalence
- Those with HIV
- Sexual contacts of people with these infections
- People with unexplained liver problems
Window Periods
- Syphilis — reliable from 3-12 weeks post-exposure
- Hepatitis B — reliable from 6 weeks to 3 months
- Hepatitis C — reliable from 6 weeks to 3 months
How to Use a Home Kit
- Order or collect a kit
- Wash hands and warm them to encourage blood flow
- Use the lancet to prick your finger
- Collect drops of blood as instructed
- Seal and post back to the lab
- Receive results by text, email or secure portal
Accuracy
Finger-prick blood tests processed by reputable labs are highly accurate. Sample collection technique matters — follow instructions carefully and ensure you collect enough blood.
What Results Mean
Negative
No detected infection (assuming you tested past the window period).
Positive
Possible infection — confirmation testing needed. The service will contact you with next steps.
Treatment Overview
- Syphilis — penicillin injection (curative)
- Hepatitis B — antiviral suppression (long-term)
- Hepatitis C — direct-acting antivirals (curative in over 95%)
Where to Get Tested
- NHS sexual health clinic — free
- Free postal kits in many areas
- Private services for paid options
- Liver clinics for hepatitis-specific monitoring
Read more: Hepatitis B and C | Hepatitis C testing | 4 stages of syphilis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one finger-prick enough for all three tests?
Yes — a small blood sample is enough for combined testing.
Are these tests confidential?
Yes — NHS and reputable private services protect your privacy.
How quickly will I get results?
Usually a few days after the lab receives your sample.
Related reading
- Hepatitis B Core Antibody Test Explained
- Hepatitis B Test Kits: What to Know
- Hepatitis C Testing: A Complete Guide
- Lab Test for Syphilis and Herpes
- Multi-Site STI Testing: Genital, Rectal and Throat
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
