Adults can now test for hepatitis C at home following the launch of a free online service.

The HSE’s National Hepatitis C Treatment Programme has launched www.hse.ie/hepc. This service allows people to order a hepatitis C test online and then carry out a simple finger prick test at home.

After ordering, the test will be delivered to the person’s home by post. Users complete the test at home and then post the sample to the laboratory in a pre-paid envelope that is provided.

Individuals receive their results by text or phone. Those who require follow-up treatment will be referred to participating clinics or hospitals.

Treatment for hepatitis C is free of charge. Tablets are effective and well-tolerated, with over 95% of people cured in as little as 8-12 weeks.

It is hoped that this new service could help people who are unknowingly living with hepatitis C to get a life-saving diagnosis and treatment sooner.

“One of our biggest challenges in getting people tested for hepatitis C is that people can live without symptoms or feeling sick. This means a lot living with the virus don’t realise they have it. We’re calling on people to order this quick finger-prick test to find out whether you’ve been exposed to hepatitis C – it could save your life,” explained Prof Aiden McCormick, the HSE’s clinical lead for the Hepatitis C Programme.

The programme estimates that up to 3,000 people in Ireland may currently have the blood-borne virus. If left untreated, it infects the liver and can cause serious and potentially life-threatening damage, leading to cirrhosis, possible liver failure and cancer, as well as a risk of spreading the disease to others.

The programme has already treated over 7,000 people, 95% of whom are now cured. For patients who cannot easily access hospital clinics, the programme can arrange treatment through GP services if required.

“This pilot marks a significant step forward in our fight to eliminate chronic hepatitis C by 2030 by providing free home tests for people who think they could be at risk from the virus. With highly effective treatments available through the HSE, there is no reason for anyone to be living with the ill effects of hepatitis C. We need to urgently find those still living with an undiagnosed infection and support them to access treatment,” commented programme lead, Marie O’Grady.

People who should get tested for Hepatitis C are those who:

-Have ever shared needles or equipment to inject any type of drug, even if you've only injected once

-Have ever shared equipment to snort or sniff drugs

-Have ever been in prison

-Have a tattoo, especially if you got it a long time ago or in a non-professional setting or in a prison

-Are from a country where hepatitis C is common

-Have ever received blood or blood products in another country where blood donations are not tested

-Have ever had medical or dental treatment in a country where hepatitis C is common and infection control is poor

-Were born to a mother who had hepatitis C at the time of your birth

-Are a man who takes part in chemsex or has condomless, rough or extreme sex with men

-Are a man who has sex with men and you have HIV

-Have lived with someone with hepatitis C and there is a chance they may have passed it on

-Received an organ transplant in Ireland before 1992

-Had sexual contact with an injecting drug user.

Tests can be ordered here.