Hepatitis C screening and treatment
A blood test that checks for the hepatitis C virus, and a short course of tablets that cures the infection in most people.
✓ Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant · last reviewed September 2026 · next review September 2027 · how we review
In short
- A two-step blood test shows whether you have been exposed to hepatitis C and whether you have the infection now.
- Hepatitis C is usually curable with a short course of tablets (direct-acting antivirals), often with few side effects.
- Cure is confirmed by a blood test about 12 weeks after finishing treatment; it does not give immunity, so reinfection is possible.
- Testing and treatment are free on the NHS for everyone, including free home testing kits.
A plain-English summary. The detail — including risks and recovery — is below.
At a glance
A general guide. Your specialist will give you advice for your situation.
Cures the infection in the large majority of people with a short course of tablets
A positive antibody test alone is not a reason to treat; a confirmatory RNA test must show current infection first.
You carry on as normal and may have a small bruise. The antibody result comes back within days; a confirmatory test follows if it is positive.
A clear plan to confirm cure with a blood test about 12 weeks after treatment.
You carry on as normal and may have a small bruise. The antibody result comes back within days; a confirmatory...
If infection is confirmed, you have an assessment of your liver and virus type, and are screened for hepatitis B...
You take daily tablets. Most people feel well; you may have a check to see how treatment is going.
A blood test checks whether the virus has gone. If undetectable, you are considered cured.
What is hepatitis C testing and treatment?
Hepatitis C is an infection caused by a virus that affects the liver. It spreads mainly through blood-to-blood contact, most often through sharing needles or other equipment, but sometimes through other routes. Many people have no symptoms for years, which is why testing matters.
Testing is usually a two-step blood test. The first checks for antibodies, which show whether you have ever been exposed. If that is positive, a second test (for the virus's genetic material, the RNA) confirms whether you have the infection now.
The encouraging news is that hepatitis C is now usually curable. A short course of tablets called direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), taken for about 8 to 12 weeks, clears the virus in the large majority of people, often with few or no side effects.
One important point: being cured does not make you immune. You can catch hepatitis C again if you are exposed, so prevention and, where relevant, repeat testing still matter after successful treatment.
Types, options & approaches
There may be different ways to do this. The right approach depends on the clinical question and your circumstances.
Hepatitis C vs hepatitis B
| Feature | Hepatitis C | Hepatitis B |
|---|---|---|
| Vaccine? | No | Yes |
| Usual outcome | Usually cured with tablets | Often controlled long term |
| Treatment length | About 8–12 weeks | Often indefinite |
| Immune after? | No — reinfection possible | Past infection can give immunity |
People with one virus are often tested for the other, and for HIV, as they can be caught together.
Preparing for your treatment
- You do not usually need to fast or stop medicines before the blood test.
- Tell the clinician about any risk factors, even from many years ago, as hepatitis C can be silent for a long time.
- Mention all medicines and supplements, including anything from a pharmacy or herbal remedies, as some interact with antiviral tablets.
- Say if you might be pregnant or are planning pregnancy, as this affects timing and choice of treatment.
- Bring details of any alcohol use and other liver risks, which add to the picture.
- If you have been treated before, bring details, as this guides the choice of medicines.
- Ask about a free home testing kit if you would prefer to test privately.
What happens
Testing starts with a blood test, sometimes from a free home kit. The first test looks for antibodies. If that is positive, a second test checks for the virus itself to confirm whether you have a current infection.
If infection is confirmed, you are usually referred to a specialist. Tests assess your liver (often a fibroscan or ultrasound) and identify the virus type, and you are screened for hepatitis B and HIV. This helps choose the right tablets and length of course.
You then take direct-acting antiviral tablets, usually once a day for 8 to 12 weeks. Most people have few or no side effects. You may have a check during treatment to see how you are getting on.
About 12 weeks after finishing, a blood test checks whether the virus has gone. If it is undetectable then, you are considered cured.
Is this treatment right for me?
A good consultation should explore whether it's the right choice for you now — including reasons to wait or consider something else.
May not be suitable if…
- A positive antibody test alone is not a reason to treat; a confirmatory RNA test must show current infection first.
- Starting treatment without checking for hepatitis B is not advised, as it can flare.
- Treatment cannot reverse liver damage already present, though it stops further harm; advanced disease still needs monitoring.
- Tablets are not a substitute for preventing reinfection, since cure gives no immunity.
Delay or rearrange if…
- Pregnancy or planning pregnancy changes the timing and choice of treatment, and is managed with a specialist.
- Significant drug interactions need sorting out before starting tablets.
- Unclear or borderline results may need repeating before treatment.
- Other urgent health problems may need attention first, on specialist advice.
Alternatives to discuss
- Different direct-acting antiviral combinations depending on the virus type and your liver
- A free home testing kit instead of attending a clinic to be tested
- Specialist liver-service referral for advanced disease or previous treatment failure
- Lifestyle measures, such as limiting alcohol, to protect the liver alongside treatment
- Prevention support to reduce the risk of catching or passing on the virus
Before you decide
Use this as a shared-decision checklist. The aim is not just “can this be done?”, but whether it is right for you, now, with the risks and alternatives clearly understood.
What matters most to me?
Think about symptoms, daily life, work, caring responsibilities, sport, fertility, travel, appearance and anxiety — the right choice depends on your priorities, not just the medical facts.
What are all my options?
Ask about waiting, monitoring, medicines, rehabilitation, a smaller or larger procedure, a different test, NHS referral, or a second opinion where that would help.
What would make me pause?
Active infection, pregnancy, unstable medical problems, smoking, medicines that increase bleeding, poor support at home, or feeling pressured are all reasons to slow down and get tailored advice.
What happens if I do nothing today?
For some problems, waiting is safe; for others, delay can make treatment harder. A good consultation should explain the trade-off in plain English.
Benefits
- Cures the infection in the large majority of people with a short course of tablets
- Usually well tolerated, often with few or no side effects
- Reduces the risk of long-term liver damage (cirrhosis) and liver cancer
- Stops the virus being passed on to others once cleared
- Finds infection that may have been silent for years
- Free on the NHS for everyone, with free home testing available
Risks & complications
- Brief discomfort or a small bruise from the blood test
- Mild side effects from treatment in some people, such as tiredness, headache or nausea
- Needing a confirmatory test and an assessment before treatment starts
- Interactions with other medicines or supplements that need adjusting before or during treatment
- Treatment not clearing the virus first time, needing a different course
- Extra tests if results are unclear or if the liver shows changes
- A serious medicine reaction
- A flare of hepatitis B if you also carry it, which is why you are tested first
- Advanced liver disease found at assessment that needs ongoing specialist care even after cure
The main thing to understand is that cure is not the same as immunity: you can catch hepatitis C again after successful treatment if you are exposed, so prevention and repeat testing still matter. Before starting tablets, tell your team about every other medicine and supplement, as interactions are important, and mention any past hepatitis B, which is checked beforehand.
Published figures to discuss
Cure rates with modern direct-acting antivirals are high for most people, but they depend on the virus type, whether the liver is already scarred, previous treatment and taking the course fully. A small number of people are not cured first time and need a further course, and reinfection can occur after cure because there is no lasting immunity. Because outcomes vary by these factors, we have not quoted a single percentage here; your specialist can explain the figures most relevant to you.
| Figure | Reported range | How to interpret it | Source / confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cure with modern direct-acting antivirals | More than 95% in many current regimens | NHS/WHO-style guidance describes hepatitis C as curable for most people with 8-12 weeks of tablets, but individual factors still matter. | NHS — Hepatitis C: treatmentnhs.ukPublished figure |
| Positive antibody but no current infection | Common interpretation issue | A hepatitis C RNA test is needed to confirm active infection before treatment decisions. | NHS — Hepatitis C: treatmentnhs.ukSource-linked context |
| Reinfection after cure | Possible with ongoing exposure | Cure does not give immunity; injecting equipment, blood exposure and some sexual exposures can lead to reinfection. | NHS — Hepatitis C: treatmentnhs.ukSource-linked context |
| Liver cancer surveillance still needed after cure | Needed if cirrhosis or advanced scarring is present | Clearing the virus lowers risk but does not always remove the need for liver follow-up. | NHS — Hepatitis C: treatmentnhs.ukSource-linked context |
These are literature figures, not a personalised prediction. Your own risks and likely benefits depend on your circumstances, your health, and how your care is carried out and followed up.
What happens afterwards
The blood test has no recovery. 'Afterwards' is about confirming the diagnosis, taking a short course of tablets if needed, and then a test to confirm cure, with attention to the liver and to preventing reinfection.
- A small bruise after the blood test
- Often no symptoms at all, before or during treatment
- Mild, temporary side effects such as tiredness or headache for some people
- Feeling well while taking the short course of tablets
Aftercare
- Take the tablets exactly as prescribed and complete the full course, even if you feel well.
- Tell every doctor, dentist and pharmacist what you are taking so interactions are checked.
- Attend the blood test about 12 weeks after finishing to confirm the virus has gone.
- Take steps to avoid reinfection, as cure does not give immunity.
- Limit alcohol and ask how best to protect your liver, especially if it was already affected.
- If your liver showed significant damage, keep any monitoring appointments you are offered.
- Use support services such as the British Liver Trust for information and help.
- A reliable system for taking daily tablets and finishing the course
- An up-to-date list of all your medicines and supplements
- The confirmation blood test booked for about 12 weeks after treatment
- Advice noted on preventing reinfection
- Any liver-monitoring appointments booked if needed
- The specialist team's contact details saved
⚠ Get urgent help if…
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine or pale stools — seek medical advice promptly.
- Severe tummy pain, swelling of the abdomen or legs, or vomiting blood — seek urgent help.
- Confusion or unusual drowsiness, which can signal serious liver problems.
- A serious rash, fever or feeling very unwell after starting a new medicine.
- A new possible exposure after being cured — arrange a repeat test, as you can be reinfected.
Who to contact: your clinician, clinic or test provider first (keep their number to hand). For urgent advice when you can't reach them, call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.
General guidance — it doesn't replace the specific advice your specialist gives you.
Results & realistic expectations
A negative antibody test usually means you have not been exposed to hepatitis C. A positive antibody test with a negative RNA test means you have been exposed but do not have the infection now. A positive RNA test confirms current infection that can be treated.
The key result after treatment is a blood test about 12 weeks after you finish: if the virus is undetectable then (a 'sustained virological response'), you are considered cured. Cure greatly reduces the risk of further liver damage, but it does not undo any damage already done, and it does not protect you from catching the virus again.
For most people, successful treatment is a lasting cure of that infection. However, the cure applies only to the virus you cleared: hepatitis C does not give immunity, so you can catch it again if you are exposed. People who were cured but had significant liver damage beforehand may still need long-term monitoring. A negative test reflects the time it was taken and can change with a new exposure.
Related tests, treatments or support
Hepatitis C testing is often done with tests for hepatitis B and HIV, because these can be caught together, and because hepatitis B is checked before treatment to avoid a flare. If you have HIV as well, your teams coordinate care and check for interactions between medicines. Assessment of the liver is part of planning treatment.
Follow-up & long-term care
After diagnosis you are assessed and started on a tailored course of tablets. You may have a check during treatment and, importantly, a blood test about 12 weeks after finishing to confirm cure. If your liver was significantly affected, you may need ongoing monitoring even after the virus is cleared. Your specialist team is your point of contact throughout.
- Complete the full course of tablets as prescribed.
- Have the confirmation blood test about 12 weeks after finishing treatment.
- Take steps to prevent reinfection, since cure does not give immunity.
- Continue any liver monitoring advised if you had significant damage.
- Keep your medicines list current to avoid harmful interactions.
- Seek repeat testing after any new possible exposure.
Repeat, follow-on and what comes next
- If the first course does not clear the virus, a different combination is usually tried.
- An antibody-positive but RNA-negative result is rechecked rather than treated.
- Reinfection after cure is possible and is treated as a new infection.
- People with significant liver damage continue monitoring even after the virus is cleared.
Ask what happens if the result is unclear or needs repeating, and what is included if further tests or follow-up are needed.
What good aftercare looks like
- A clear plan to confirm cure with a blood test about 12 weeks after treatment.
- Honest advice that cure does not prevent reinfection, with prevention support.
- Monitoring of the liver after cure for anyone with significant damage.
- A named specialist contact for results, side effects and concerns.
- Non-judgemental support and signposting, including the British Liver Trust.
What affects the cost
Costs vary a great deal between people and providers, and we don't publish prices. What matters is understanding what drives the cost and making sure your quote is complete. The main things that affect it:
- Whether you use free NHS testing and treatment or pay privately
- The number and type of blood tests, including confirmatory RNA testing
- Liver assessment such as a fibroscan or ultrasound
- Specialist consultation and any monitoring during treatment
- The direct-acting antiviral medicines and length of course
- Any ongoing liver monitoring needed after cure
- Which tests are included (antibody and confirmatory RNA) and the liver assessment
- Whether specialist review and monitoring during treatment are included
- Whether the antiviral medicines and full course are covered
- Whether the cure-confirmation test at about 12 weeks is included
- How results are communicated and who is the point of contact
- What happens if the first course does not clear the virus
On the NHS? Hepatitis C testing and treatment are free on the NHS for everyone, including free home testing kits; private care is mainly used for speed or convenience.
You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including reports, follow-up and what happens if the result is inconclusive — before you decide.
Consent traps and marketing red flags
These are not small details. They are often where patients lose choice, time to reflect, or realistic expectations.
Consent traps
- Treating on an antibody result alone without a confirmatory RNA test.
- Not checking for hepatitis B before starting, risking a flare.
- Implying cure gives immunity, when reinfection is possible.
- Overlooking interactions with other medicines and supplements.
- No plan for monitoring the liver after cure if damage was already present.
Marketing red flags
- Claims of a 'guaranteed' cure regardless of circumstances.
- Selling treatment without confirmatory testing or hepatitis B screening.
- Detox or supplement 'liver cleanses' offered instead of proper treatment.
- Not mentioning the free NHS testing and treatment available to everyone.
Choosing a specialist safely
- Check the specialist is on the GMC Specialist Register for this area.
- Make sure they work at a CQC-registered service, and look for membership of the relevant Royal College or professional body.
- You're entitled to time to consider and to have your questions answered before you agree — the specialist who looks after you should explain it, not a salesperson.
- Be wary of pressure: time-limited offers or deposits taken before you've had time to think are red flags, not bargains.
- You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including any follow-up — before you decide.
Questions to ask your medical professional
Take this to your consultation. A good specialist will welcome every one of these.
- Does my antibody result mean I have the infection now, or only that I have been exposed?
- Which tablets do you recommend, for how long, and why?
- Could the treatment interact with my other medicines or supplements?
- Has my liver been affected, and will I need monitoring after cure?
- When will you confirm whether I am cured?
- How can I avoid catching hepatitis C again?
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register for this area, and which Royal College or professional body are you a member of?
- Will you be the specialist who carries out my treatment, and who looks after me afterwards?
- What are the risks for someone like me, and how often do your own patients have a problem or need it repeated or redone?
- What does a realistic result look like — and what can this treatment not achieve?
- What are my options, including waiting, doing nothing for now, or choosing a different approach?
- Can I have written information, results and aftercare instructions in a format I can use, including any accessibility or communication support I need?
- What is the total cost in writing, including any follow-ups, and how much time do I have to decide?
Frequently asked questions
Can hepatitis C be cured?
Is there a vaccine?
If I am cured, can I get it again?
Is testing and treatment free on the NHS?
How will I know the treatment worked?
Will treatment make me feel unwell?
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How we made this page
Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant. Written in plain English, checked against NHS, NICE, GMC and relevant Royal College / specialist-society guidance, and kept under review. No clinic paid to appear on this page, and we publish no pricing. This is general information to help you prepare — it is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician. How we review our guides →
Source hierarchy: UK regulator and NHS/NICE guidance first, then relevant Royal College or specialist-society guidance, then peer-reviewed evidence for procedure-specific figures where available.
Sources & standards: NHS — Hepatitis C: treatment NHS — Hepatitis C British Liver Trust — Hepatitis C GOV.UK — Hepatitis C: information for GPs UKHSA — Hepatitis C: guidance, data and analysis
Reviews reflect patients' experience of care, not clinical outcomes. For procedure volumes and outcome data see PHIN.
Last medically reviewed 2026-09-21. Spotted something wrong or out of date? Report an error in this guide.
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