Dears Pharmacy in partnership with Better2Know offer a confidential instant Hepatitis B test. Our popular instant STI tests provide rapid results for your choice of up to seven sexually transmitted infections, including Hepatitis B. It is important to get tested for Hepatitis B, if you are in any doubt about your Hepatitis B status. Hepatitis B is a major global health problem. If left undetected and untreated, Hepatitis B causes chronic infection and the condition can develop into cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Key Hepatitis B and Testing Information:

STI Type: Virus
Transmission Infected body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal fluid, pre-ejaculate and breast milk / Unprotected sex with an infected person / Contaminated objects such as needles / Mother to child before or during birth
Treatment: Rest and recuperation / Monitoring by a specialist / Antiviral drugs
Consequences: Cirrhosis / Long-term liver damage / Liver failure / Liver cancer
Sample needed: Finger Stick (blood)
Incubation Period: 28 days
Results time: 15 minutes

When can I get tested?

Better2Know’s Hepatitis B tests have an incubation period of 28 days. This is the time between suspected exposure to the virus and your Better2Know test.

What happens when I receive my result?

Instant Hepatitis B results will be available from just 20 minutes from when your test starts to run. We will give you a copy of your Better2Know Rapid Test Results Report with your results.

Your Instant Hepatitis B Testing Process?

Our pharmacy teams can help you with your STI related concerns. They will answer any questions you may have: from STIs to how our service works in the UK.

Attending Better2Know’s Private Sexual Health Clinic:

Upon arrival at Better2Know’s sexual health clinic, you will be seen by your Dears Pharmacy colleague. They will go through the testing process, and answer any questions that you have, before taking your sample.

Sample Collection and Analysis:

Better2Know’s instant Hepatitis B test uses a small blood sample. This will normally be taken by a lancet finger pricking device. Your sample will be applied to the test cassette by your doctor. Two lines will appear if your test is reactive, and only one line will appear if the Hepatitis B test is negative.7

Hepatitis B Treatment if you test positive:

If your instant Hepatitis B test is reactive, a further blood sample will be needed for confirmatory testing (which is included in the price you pay). If this test is positive, we can refer you to a specialist who will help you with the treatment you need. They will provide additional guidance and support regarding treatment moving forward.

What other STIs can I get tested for?

Instant testing at Better2Know’s private sexual health clinics is also available for six other sexually transmitted infections. Aside from Hepatitis B, you can also receive anonymous instant testing for HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis C, Herpes 1 and 2, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. Better2Know’s instant screens will provide an instant picture of your STI status.

Book Your Instant Hepatitis B Test

Speak to your Dears Pharmacy team member today and arrange your confidential appointment. You can also use our secure payment system to book and pay for your appointment online.

Service details

Price: Our testing service costs £160 per person.

Additional Information on Hepatitis B

Methods of Transmission:

Hepatitis B can be transmitted through:

• Sexual intercourse
• Sharing needles
• Any contact with contaminated blood on surfaces or equipment
• From Mother to Baby during birth

Hepatitis B is a viral blood infection that affects your liver. A person only needs to encounter a very small amount of blood to catch Hepatitis B. It is very contagious and can survive outside the human body for four or more days. This means it can live on surfaces, door handles, kitchen equipment and so on. Cleaning and bleach are not effective against Hepatitis B. Blood can often be present during sex either in bodily fluids or through any cuts or tears in the genital areas.

Symptoms:

Many people with Hepatitis B may not experience any signs of infection. Symptoms may start to appear two to three months after you have become infected. Where they are present, they may include:

• Feeling sick
• Not wanting to eat
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice
• Fever
• Feeling very tired
• Muscle and joint aches

If symptoms last longer than six months, then you should seek medical attention.

Treatment:

If you have Hepatitis B, then your condition should be managed by a specialist. They will advise on the appropriate next steps for you based on further testing and your symptoms. In the early stages, rest, recuperation and treating the symptoms with over the counter remedies is usually advised. Chronic Hepatitis B infections need medication to manage the virus and prevent further liver damage.

If you have had Hepatitis B for more than six months without improvement, your infection is said to be chronic and your doctor will discuss your medication options with you.

Consequences of an Untreated Infection:

Hepatitis B can have serious long-term effects on your liver and health if left untreated. These can include:

• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Liver failure
• Liver cancer
• Weakening of the immune system leave you more susceptible to other infections and STIs

Prevention:

You can prevent getting Hepatitis B or stop passing it on to your partners by:

• Getting vaccinated against Hepatitis B
• Using condoms for sex
• Not sharing objects which may have other people’s blood on them (for example: needles, razors or toothbrushes)

Expectant mothers who are positive for Hepatitis B are advised to speak to their doctor as soon as possible to discuss the Hepatitis B vaccine. This is very effective at preventing babies acquiring the infection.

Availability

Select your preferred pharmacy to visit their page and enquire about this service or just pop in when it suits you.