Hepatitis B & C Testing
Testing for hepatitis B and C, with online results in ~2 to 5 days.
We test for:
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and
Hepatitis C Antibody (HCV antibody)
Collection Methods
Finger Prick
Hepatitis B and C are viral infections that can lead to long-term issues with the liver, if left untreated. They are most often transmitted through the sharing of needles, the receiving of infected blood products or unprotected sex.
What to know
What to know
Symptoms
Hepatitis B & C can cause serious liver infection and affect millions of people worldwide. Many people with hepatitis B and C have no symptoms until the later stages.
Acute Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
Infection can be described as acute (first 6 months after exposure) or chronic. Many people with acute hepatitis B and C have no symptoms but if they do they can include:
Fever
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Dark urine
Clay-colored bowel movements
Joint pain
Jaundice (yellow color in the skin or the eyes)
Chronic Hepatitis B and Chronic Hepatitis C
Most people with chronic hepatitis B and C do not have any symptoms. If left untreated many people eventually develop chronic liver disease, which can range from mild to severe and include cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer.
If you have symptoms that you think could be related to hepatitis B or hepatitis C you should follow up with your healthcare provider.
When to collect your sample
It can take a period of time after exposure for hepatitis B and C to become detectable through testing. You should wait at least 12 weeks from the time of potential exposure before testing. In some rare cases, it may take 6 months for an infection to be detected. Talk to your healthcare provider about the most suitable testing options for you.
Reasons for testing for hepatitis B and C include but are not limited to:
Routine screening for anyone aged 18 years or older
Currently or have ever injected drugs
Have been exposed to blood from a person who has hepatitis B or hepatitis C
Have HIV
Are on hemodialysis
If you receive a reactive result, further investigation will be required to obtain a diagnosis because this is a screening service. Please use NHS guidelines on screening recommendations for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C for potential next steps.
No screening is 100% accurate, and false positives and negatives are possible. If you are experiencing any symptoms or if you are concerned about possible exposure to hepatitis you should consult with a healthcare provider.
Your sample must be collected in the morning on a Monday - Thursday and returned on the same day.
Infections
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. The testing offered by LetsGetChecked looks for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). This can be found in high levels during acute or chronic hepatitis B infection. HBsAg usually means that the person is infectious. In some cases it can also be found within 30 days after hepatitis B vaccination. You will not receive a diagnosis through this testing, and further investigation will be required if you receive a reactive result.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus caused by the hepatitis C virus. This testing from LetsGetChecked looks for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus. Antibodies to hepatitis C are a sign that someone has been infected with the virus at some point. Once people have been infected with hepatitis C, they will always have antibodies in their blood. This is true if they have cleared the virus, have been cured, or still have the virus in their blood. You will not receive a diagnosis through this testing, and further investigation will be required if you receive a reactive result.
How it works
Collect your sample
Activate your collection kit and collect your sample in the morning. Return your sample on the same day, using the prepaid shipping label provided.
Review accurate results
Once your sample arrives in the laboratory, confidential results will be available from your secure online account within 2 to 5 days.
Get medical support
Our dedicated clinical team are here to support you and may call you to explain your results and provide guidance on your next steps.
Still have questions?
Here are some questions we usually get about LetsGetChecked. If you would like yours answered, please contact us ›
Activating the kit connects you to the unique alphanumeric barcode within your LetsGetChecked sample collection kit box. The laboratory cannot process your sample if the kit is not activated and linked to you. You should only activate your kit when you are ready to take your sample.
Yes. LetsGetChecked has a team of doctors, nurses, and healthcare clinicians who will review your order and results and have created detailed result breakdowns for your testing journey.
Our clinical team is on standby throughout the testing process and, if your test results are abnormal, you may receive a call to discuss your results and the next steps.
The sample must be collected in the morning on a Monday - Thursday and returned on the same day. Each of our kits includes a prepaid delivery envelope to return your samples to the laboratory.
Please do not collect or return samples on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
A capillary (finger prick) blood sample is required. This sample is collected from the comfort of your home using the sample collection kit and easy-to-follow instructions provided.
Your samples are analysed with CE-marked tests in the same labs used by primary care providers, hospitals, and government programs.
LetsGetChecked laboratories are CPA-approved and ISO certified, which are the highest levels of accreditation.
Our home sample collection kits are manufactured within our ISO 13485 certified facility, the highest level of accreditation for medical devices.
Keeping your personal data secure is important to us. We use appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure security and confidentiality of your information, and only share your information where required to deliver our products and services or where we have a legal basis to do so. All samples are disposed of following analysis.
We don't accept insurance at this time. We work to keep our tests as affordable as possible and our test costs are generally lower than the costs incurred from a trip to a healthcare provider.