What is the test?
	Confidentiality
	Test discussion
	What to think about?
	Have I had hep C?
	Do I still have hep C?
	How much virus is there?
	Which strain do I have?
	Testing – Children
	Testing – Pregnancy
	Where to go for a test?
	What happens next?
	Families and partners?

The antibody test - Have I had Hepatitis C

If you are thought to have been at risk of contracting Hepatitis C you wil be offered an antibody test which confirms past contact with the Virus .

When you get the results of the test you should be given some form of post test discussion or consultation to explain the test results to you.

• The result will be either positive or negative
• If antibody positive you have had Hep C in your blood, (and still may have) you should be offered a PCR test
• If antibody negative you have never had Hep C in your blood

Things that should be discussed with you

• The implications of the results - positive or negative
• The fact that you are not immune to infection if the result was negative
• the possible need to prevent passing it on to others while waiting for a PCR test if the result was positive
• the need to refer you to a specialist if the PCR test result comes back positive