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.
A finger-prick blood test can screen for both hepatitis B and hepatitis C in one convenient sample. These viral infections affect the liver, often silently for years, so testing is important if you have any risk factors. Home kits make it easy to test in private and post the sample to a lab for processing.
Here’s what to know.
Order a discreet home STI test
What’s Tested
| Infection | What’s Detected |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis B | HBsAg (surface antigen) — current infection |
| Hepatitis C | Anti-HCV antibody — exposure (current or past) |
Some kits also include core antibody (anti-HBc) for fuller hepatitis B assessment.
Who Should Test?
- People who have ever injected drugs
- People from high-prevalence countries
- Men who have sex with men
- Sexual partners of people with hepatitis
- Healthcare workers with possible exposure
- People with HIV
- People with unexplained liver problems
- Anyone who had a blood transfusion before 1991
How to Use a Home Kit
- Order kit online (often free through NHS services)
- Wash and warm your hands
- Use the provided lancet to prick a finger
- Collect blood drops as instructed
- Seal and post back
- Receive results within a few days
Window Periods
- Hepatitis B — reliable from 6 weeks to 3 months
- Hepatitis C — reliable from 6 weeks to 3 months
Accuracy
Finger-prick blood tests are accurate when processed by reputable labs. Sample collection matters — follow instructions to ensure you collect enough blood.
What Results Mean
Both negative
No detected infection.
Hepatitis B positive (HBsAg)
Current infection. Needs follow-up to determine if acute or chronic. Treatment may be needed.
Hepatitis C positive (anti-HCV)
Exposure detected. Confirmation with HCV RNA needed to see if infection is current or cleared. Modern treatment cures over 95% of cases.
Treatment
- Hepatitis B — antiviral suppression (tenofovir, entecavir)
- Hepatitis C — direct-acting antivirals for 8-12 weeks (curative)
Vaccination
Hepatitis B is preventable with vaccination. If you test negative and are at risk, ask your GP or sexual health clinic about vaccination — free for at-risk groups in the UK.
Hepatitis C Cure
Hepatitis C is now curable in over 95% of cases with direct-acting antivirals. Treatment is free on the NHS, takes 8-12 weeks, and has few side effects. Diagnosis leads to cure.
Read more: Hepatitis C testing | Hepatitis B and C overview | Hepatitis B risks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is finger-prick testing reliable?
Yes when processed by accredited labs.
Can hepatitis C be cured?
Yes — over 95% cure rate with modern treatment.
Should I test if I have no symptoms?
If you have any risk factors, yes. Hepatitis is often silent for years.
Related reading
- Blood Test for Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- Hepatitis B Core Antibody Test Explained
- Hepatitis B Test Kits: What to Know
- Hepatitis C Testing: A Complete Guide
- Can You Die From Hepatitis B?
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.
