What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver. It is typically caused by viral infection, though there are other ways of acquiring the condition such as alcohol abuse. There are several known viruses responsible for hepatitis but the most common by far are Hepatitis A, B and C.

The viruses are spread in different ways and are more common in different areas of the world. Hepatitis infections can be asymptomatic but common symptoms include jaundice, vomiting, diarrhoea, dark urine and pale stools. Chronic hepatitis infection can lead to significant liver damage and liver failure. Hepatitis C is caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV), it is usually transmitted through the blood and is the most common type of hepatitis in the UK.

The most common way the virus is spread is through intravenous drug administration with shared needles. Many people are asymptomatic and may not know they are infected with HCV. Approximately a quarter of those infected will fight off the virus by themselves, but chronic infection can lead to liver failure and drastically increases the risk of liver cancer. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C but there are effective antiviral treatments.

Why take the test?

This test screens for antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV). The presence of antibodies means you have been exposed to HCV infection and produced an immune response. This test cannot differentiate between a current infection and a historical infection.