People who may be at risk of hepatitis C have been urged to order a free test as part of World Hepatitis Day, which took place recently. This is part of a national campaign to eliminate the disease.

It is estimated that up to 3,000 people in Ireland may have the blood-borne virus, which infects the liver and if left untreated can cause serious and potentially life-threatening damage. This can lead to cirrhosis, possible liver failure and cancer – as well as a risk of spreading the disease to others.

Over 4,000 at-home hepatitis C tests have been ordered and delivered since the HSE home test service went live in early April this year. The discreet, at-home tests are free to order online from www.hse.ie/hepc as part of the HSE’s Hepatitis C Treatment Programme, which has already treated over 7,000 people, 95% of whom are now cured.

The test involves a finger prick test, with a tiny blood sample dropped into a test tube, which is posted in a pre-paid envelope to a lab for analysis. Those who require follow up treatment will then be contacted and referred to a participating clinic or hospital. Treatment for hepatitis C is free, tablets are effective and well-tolerated, with over 95% of people cured in as 8-12 weeks.

The new self-test aims to reach people who may not be engaged with other services such as drug and alcohol support, as well as people who may have potentially been exposed to the virus in the past, through previous injecting drug use. Other groups at risk are those who have come into contact with infected blood through medical procedures, blood transfusions and blood products, or equipment used in cosmetic surgery services. 

Professor Aiden McCormick, HSE Clinical Lead for the Hepatitis C Programme, said: “One of our biggest challenges is that as patient numbers get smaller, remaining hepatitis C cases are harder to find and treat. Therefore, it’s vital that we offer a free, easy to access home test – especially for those who have been exposed to the virus but are reluctant to come forward. 

“This latest tool is critical to ensuring more people can receive the treatment they need, or peace of mind, at the earliest opportunity.The results of these tests will help contribute to understanding the prevalence of hepatitis C.”