FAQs

We post your testing kit using 1st class Royal Mail.

Most people get their kit 1 or 2 days after ordering it, but it can take up to 5 days.

If it's been more than 5 days since you ordered your kit, call our helpline on 0333 344 4462. The helpline is open Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm, not including bank holidays. Alternatively, you can email our team at [email protected], who will reply during those hours.

If your test result is positive, this means you currently have hepatitis C. This can be cured by taking a course of tablets.

If you test positive, an NHS healthcare professional will call you to discuss the result. They will talk to you about how to get treatment and what support is available.

If you have questions about hepatitis C or need support at any time, you can call our helpline on 0333 344 4462. The helpline is open Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm, not including bank holidays. Alternatively, you can email our team at [email protected], who will reply during those hours.

Our testing kits come with a special needle called a lancet.

A lancet is specially designed to help you prick your finger. You put it on your finger and click it down. You won't be able to see the needle going into your finger.

There is information to help you in your kit or in our guide to doing your test.

If you feel worried, or feel that you can't do it yourself, you can ask someone to help you.

Most people are able to use the kits, but if a self-sampling test is not the right choice for you, you can still get tested for hepatitis C at a GP surgery, sexual health service or drug testing service.

It usually takes 1 or 2 days for your blood sample to arrive at our lab. When your kit arrives at our lab, we will let you know.

After this, it can take up to 2 weeks for us to contact you with the results – though usually it is much quicker.

• You will be sent your results by text message, and email if you choose. If you test positive, an NHS healthcare professional will call you to discuss the result.

• Please note that if you do not choose to have your results sent by email, we cannot provide any additional written communication of results.

• Personal details will not be included with your results, either by text message or email. This means you cannot use results for fertility services or other official purposes. You will need to visit a clinic in person for this.

• You can usually expect to get your test result around a week after posting your sample.

• If it has been more than 12 working days since you posted your sample and you haven't heard anything, please call our helpline on 0333 344 4462. The helpline is open Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm, not including bank holidays. Alternatively, you can email our team at [email protected], who will reply during those hours.

 

If your test shows that you have hepatitis C, an NHS healthcare professional will call you to discuss the result.

Hepatitis C can be cured by taking a course of tablets.

The healthcare professional will talk through the result and what to do now. They can discuss the treatment and support that is available. 

• If you need further support at any time with the testing process, you can call our helpline on 0333 344 4462. The helpline is open Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm, not including bank holidays. Alternatively, you can email our team at [email protected], who will reply during those hours.

• For more information and support with hepatitis C, please visit the Hep C Trust or call their confidential helpline on 020 7089 6221

If you need help or support at any time, you can call our helpline on 0333 344 4462. The helpline is open Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm, not including bank holidays. Alternatively, you can email our team at [email protected], who will reply during those hours.