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.
Hepatitis C testing is a simple blood test that checks for the virus or antibodies to it. It’s important because hepatitis C often causes no symptoms for years but can silently damage the liver. Now that hepatitis C is curable in over 95% of cases with modern treatment, testing has real benefits — diagnosis leads straight to effective cure.
Here’s what to know.
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How Hepatitis C Testing Works
| Test | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Anti-HCV antibody test | Past or current exposure to hepatitis C |
| HCV RNA (PCR) | Active current infection |
| Liver function tests | Whether the liver is inflamed |
| FibroScan | Measures liver scarring |
Who Should Test?
- Anyone who has ever injected drugs
- People with HIV
- Men who have sex with men
- People who had blood transfusions before 1991
- People from countries with high hepatitis C rates
- Sexual contacts of people with hepatitis C
- People with unexplained liver problems
Where to Test
- NHS sexual health clinics
- Drug services and needle exchanges
- GP surgery
- Hepatology clinics
- Home test kits with postal return
What Results Mean
Anti-HCV positive, RNA positive
You have active hepatitis C infection. Refer to hepatology for treatment — modern direct-acting antivirals cure over 95% of cases.
Anti-HCV positive, RNA negative
You were exposed to hepatitis C but have cleared the infection (either naturally or after successful treatment). No current infection.
Anti-HCV negative
No exposure — unless you tested within the window period (6 weeks to 3 months after exposure).
Window Period
- Anti-HCV antibodies — usually detectable from 6 weeks to 3 months
- HCV RNA — detectable earlier, from about 2 weeks after exposure
Treatment Benefits
Modern hepatitis C treatment:
- Cures over 95% of people
- Usually 8-12 weeks of tablets
- Few side effects
- Free on the NHS
- Prevents long-term liver damage, cancer and transmission
If You Test Positive
- Confirmation testing
- Referral to hepatology
- Liver assessment
- Treatment with direct-acting antivirals
- Follow-up testing to confirm cure
Read more: Hepatitis B and C introduction | Hepatitis C survival | Hepatitis C and semen
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hepatitis C curable?
Yes. Modern treatment cures over 95% of cases.
Do I need to test if I have no symptoms?
If you have any risk factors, yes. Hepatitis C is often silent for years.
Is treatment free on the NHS?
Yes.
Related reading
- Blood Test for Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- Hepatitis B Core Antibody Test Explained
- Hepatitis B Test Kits: What to Know
- Can You Die From Hepatitis B?
- Can You Have Chlamydia and Test Negative?
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.
