Want to screen for Hepatitis C exposure and determine if you need further testing or treatment for this potentially serious liver infection?
Detect Hepatitis C virus exposure and infection with our comprehensive serology test. This important analysis identifies antibodies to Hepatitis C virus, providing crucial insights into current or past infection and the need for further evaluation and treatment.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
Think of Hepatitis C serology testing as your body's memory check – it looks for antibodies that act like your immune system's permanent record book, showing whether you've ever encountered this sneaky liver virus. Hepatitis C earned the nickname "silent epidemic" because it's incredibly good at hiding; up to 80% of people have no symptoms when first infected, and the virus can quietly chip away at your liver for decades without raising any red flags. The test detects these antibodies (Anti-HCV) in your blood, but here's the tricky part – finding them doesn't mean you're immune like with some other infections, it simply means your body remembers fighting this virus at some point, whether the battle is ongoing or already won.
Since antibodies stick around even after the virus is gone, a positive result typically leads to a second test that checks if the virus is still actively causing trouble in your system. This matters because while Hepatitis C spreads through blood-to-blood contact and can lead to serious liver problems like cirrhosis or liver cancer if left untreated, today's treatments are remarkably effective – they can cure over 95% of infections in just 8-12 weeks. Early detection is your best friend here, not only for protecting your liver's future but also for preventing unknowingly passing the virus to others, making this test a powerful tool for taking control of your health.
Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer
You may benefit from the Hepatitis C Test
Essential for people with risk factors for blood-borne infections, those born between 1945-1965, individuals with unexplained liver problems, or anyone wanting to screen for Hepatitis C.
Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
Feeling tired all the time
Partner with hepatitis or HIV
Injection drug use history
Blood transfusion before 1992
Tattoos or piercings with unsterile equipment
How to prepare
No special preparation required. Inform healthcare provider of risk factors, current medications, and any symptoms. Blood sample collected by trained phlebotomist at collection centre. Fasting not required for this test.
Understanding results
Results show positive or negative for Hepatitis C antibodies. Positive results indicate exposure to Hepatitis C virus and require follow-up RNA testing to determine if infection is active. Negative results suggest no exposure, though recent infection may not be detected.
After the test
Positive antibody results require Hepatitis C RNA testing to confirm active infection. If RNA positive, evaluation for antiviral treatment. If RNA negative, indicates cleared infection with continued monitoring. Negative antibody results typically require no further action unless high recent risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
A positive result means you've been exposed to Hepatitis C virus, but doesn't distinguish between current infection and past cleared infection. Follow-up RNA testing is needed to determine current status.
Yes, new direct-acting antiviral medications can cure over 95% of Hepatitis C infections with 8-12 weeks of treatment, regardless of genotype or previous treatment history.
Hepatitis C antibodies typically appear 8-12 weeks after infection, though it can take up to 6 months in some cases. Recent infections may not be detected by antibody testing alone.
People born between 1945-1965 have 5 times higher Hepatitis C rates, likely due to medical procedures before universal precautions and blood screening were implemented.
People with current or past Hepatitis C infection cannot donate blood, even if cured, due to blood safety regulations in most countries.
Untreated chronic Hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis (20-30% over 20-30 years), liver failure, liver cancer, and death. Early treatment prevents these complications and stops transmission.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
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How does it work?
Bloody Good helps you measure your baseline health, identify urgent issues, and track changes over time
1
Book your test
Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.
2
Collect your samples
Have your sample collected at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres.
3
View your results
View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.
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Having seen the GP regularly, I thought I had everything covered. I had no idea I had Type II diabetes as I was symptomless. Now I can manage it before it gets really bad. I never would have caught it this early if I hadn't used Bloody Good.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our products and services.
Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.
If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.
Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)
Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.
They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.
Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.
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We want you to feel bloody good—inside and out. Our on-demand health testing lets you take control of your health
