Hepatitis C screening

What is this project about? 

Your GP practice is taking part in an important public health project to help eliminate hepatitis C – a virus that affects the liver and can cause serious long-term health problems if left untreated. 

As part of this national effort, you may receive a text message invitation from us, asking you to book a free hepatitis C screening test. The test is quick, simple, and can help detect the virus early — even if you feel well and have no symptoms. 

You will receive a home testing kit via post and do a fingerpick test.  

 

Why is hepatitis C screening important? 

  • Hepatitis C often has no symptoms for many years, so many people don’t know they have it. 

  • If untreated, it can lead to serious liver disease, including liver cancer and liver failure. 

  • Treatment is highly effective, simple (usually 1 tablet a day for 8–12 weeks), and cures the infection in most people. 

  • The earlier we find it, the easier it is to treat and the better your health outcome. 

 

Our goal 

The World Health Organisation aims to eliminate hepatitis C as a major public health threat by 2030 — and NHS England is working to reach this goal even sooner. 

Thanks to advances in testing and treatment: 

  • Deaths from hepatitis C have already fallen by 37% since 2015 

  • Liver transplants due to hepatitis C have dropped by 52% 

This success is due to targeted screening across hospitals, clinics, and now GP practices like ours. 

 

Who should get tested? 

You may be at risk of hepatitis C if you: 

  • Had a blood transfusion or medical treatment before 1991 

  • Have ever injected drugs (even once, many years ago) 

  • Have lived or received healthcare in a country where hepatitis C is common 

  • Were born between 1960 and 1979, when testing wasn’t routine 

  • Have had tattoos or piercings in unregulated settings 

  • Share personal care items like razors or toothbrushes that may come into contact with blood 

Even if none of these apply to you, the test is still worthwhile — especially as the virus often goes unnoticed. 

 

What do I need to do? 

If you receive a text message from the practice, please follow the link (http://hepctest.nhs.uk/ref/btspc) to book your free hepatitis C screening test. It’s a simple blood test that could protect your future health. 

You won’t be charged for the test or treatment if needed — this is fully covered by the NHS. 

Page last reviewed: 15 May 2025
Page created: 15 May 2025