Get Peace of mind

Dears Pharmacy in partnership with Better2Know’s instant Hepatitis C test provides you with confidential STI testing with fast, accurate results. Our private instant STI testing services are available at selected private sexual health clinics across the UK. Hepatitis C infections usually do not cause symptoms in the first years following infection. Around 200,000 people in the UK have Hepatitis C and do not know their status. There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of infection, and they can take years to become apparent. Symptoms can include feeling tired for no reason, muscle pain, joint pain and fever. If you are worried that you may have Hepatitis C from unprotected sex or sharing needles, even if this was years ago, then please get tested to prevent long term damage to your health.

STI type: Virus
Transmission: Contact with contaminated blood, Unprotected sex (vaginal, anal or oral), Sharing contaminated objects (e.g. needles, razors)
Treatment: Monitoring by a specialist, Antiviral drugs
Consequences: Decline in well-being. Cirrhosis. Chronic liver problems. Liver cancer
Sample needed: Blood (finger stick)
Incubation Period: 10 days
Results time: From 15 minute

When can I get tested?

An incubation period of up to six weeks is recommended for Better2Know’s instant Hepatitis C test. This is the minimum period between potential exposure and having the test. This is to ensure the accuracy of your confidential results.

When will I receive my results?

You will receive the results of your private instant Hepatitis C test from just 15 minutes after your blood sample has been collected. Your Dears Pharmacy team member will give you your results and a copy of your Better2Know Rapid Test Results.
How accurate is my instant Hepatitis C test?
After the appropriate incubation period has elapsed, your Hepatitis C test is 100% accurate. Better2Know’s private STI tests and screens are regularly reviewed by our panel of medical experts, so you can rest assured that you are receiving the most up-to-date instant STI test available.

What other STIs should I get tested for?

Better2Know’s instant STI testing service provides confidential instant tests for seven common sexually transmitted infections. You can choose to add tests for HIV, Hepatitis B, Syphilis, Herpes 1 and 2, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.

Service details

Price: Our testing service costs £160 per person.

Your Instant Hepatitis C Testing Process

Your appointment is completely confidential. You do not have to give us your real name at any time, and we will not share your results with anyone without your consent.

Sample Collection and Analysis: We need a small blood sample to run the instant Hepatitis C test. Normally, we will collect your sample using a lancet to prick your finger. Your sample is then applied to the test cassette, and a buffer solution is added to start the test. If your instant test is negative for Hepatitis C, only one line will appear. Reactive Hepatitis C tests will show two lines.

Hepatitis C Treatment if your test is reactive: If your instant Hepatitis C test is reactive for infection, we will ask you for a blood sample for further testing at our CPA accredited laboratories. If you are positive for Hepatitis C, we can refer you to a specialist who will offer further advice and discuss your treatment options.

• Hepatitis C: Transmission, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
• Hepatitis C Transmission
• Hepatitis C is a virus that can affect the liver. It can be transmitted through direct contact with the infected blood of someone with the virus. This can include:
• Unprotected sex including vaginal, anal or oral sexual contact
• Sharing needles

Hepatitis C may also be transferred if you encounter contaminated objects such as needles, razors or toothbrushes

Many people in their 40s and 50s who shared needles when taking intravenous drugs as students and young adults find that they are significantly more tired with more muscle aches than their friends of the same age. A Hepatitis C test can help to establish whether this virus is the cause of this.

Hepatitis C Symptoms

Many people with Hepatitis C will not notice any symptoms in the first days, months and years of infection. The longer you are infected, the more likely you are to feel that something is not quite right. Symptoms can include:

• Fatigue: felling very tired
• Sore muscles
• Joint pain
• Fever
• Feeling sick, being sick or not feeling hungry
• Itchy skin
• Abdominal pain

Hepatitis C Treatment

There have been major advances in Hepatitis C treatments in recent years, with new medications now curing Hepatitis C for the first time. This does not reverse any damage caused, but it does stop anything worse from happening to you. Better2Know will refer you to a specialist to get this treatment.

Hepatitis C: Consequences of an Untreated Infection

If not found or left untreated, there are serious long-term health consequences of Hepatitis C, these include:
Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), which may affect the function of your liver

• Liver Failure
• Liver Cancer
• Skin Problems
• Blood Disorders
• Weight Loss
• Hepatitis C Prevention

You can help to prevent getting Hepatitis C, or passing it on to a new partner by:

• Using a condom for sex
• Not sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes, or any other objects that might be contaminated with infected blood
• Getting tested regularly

Availability

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