HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C Blood Test Kit

This is a 4th generation HIV test, also known as a combination or "combo" test. It detects two things: antibodies that your immune system produces in response to HIV infection (both HIV-1 and HIV-2 strains), and the p24 antigen, a viral protein that appears in the blood before antibodies develop. By detecting both components, this test can identify infection earlier than older antibody-only tests—typically from around 4 weeks (28 days) after exposure, compared to 6-12 weeks for 3rd generation tests. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 T-cells that coordinate the body's defence against infections. Without treatment, HIV progressively weakens the immune system over years, eventually leading to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), where the body becomes vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. However, with modern antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV can maintain undetectable viral loads, live normal healthy lives, and cannot transmit the virus sexually (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable). HIV is transmitted through specific body fluids: blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common routes are unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or injecting equipment, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact, saliva, sweat, or tears. Early diagnosis is crucial—it allows prompt treatment that protects your health and prevents transmission to others. A reactive (positive) screening result requires confirmatory testing before a diagnosis is made. Results outside the normal range require follow-up with your GP or a sexual health clinic.

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a protein found on the outer surface of the hepatitis B virus. It's the first marker to appear after infection, typically becoming detectable 4-10 weeks after exposure (average 6 weeks), often before symptoms develop. HBsAg is the hallmark of hepatitis B infection—if present, you are infected with the virus and potentially infectious to others through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to baby during birth. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver. Many people have no symptoms during acute infection, but some experience fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), and dark urine. Most healthy adults (over 95%) clear the virus within 6 months and develop lifelong immunity. However, if HBsAg remains positive for more than 6 months, this indicates chronic hepatitis B. Chronic infection is more common in those infected at birth or in early childhood (up to 90% become chronic carriers) and can lead to serious liver disease including cirrhosis and liver cancer over decades. A positive HBsAg result means you currently have hepatitis B infection. Further testing is needed to determine whether this is acute or chronic infection and to assess liver health. Effective antiviral treatments are available for chronic hepatitis B, and regular monitoring can detect liver complications early. A negative result means you don't have a current detectable infection, though it doesn't rule out very recent exposure (during the window period). Hepatitis B is vaccine-preventable—if you test negative and haven't been vaccinated, vaccination is recommended. Results require clinical interpretation and follow-up with your GP.

Hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) testing detects antibodies produced by your immune system in response to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Unlike hepatitis B surface antigen (which detects the virus itself), this test detects your body's immune response. Antibodies typically develop within 8-12 weeks of exposure, though some people may take up to 6 months to produce detectable levels. Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that primarily affects the liver. Most people (around 75-85%) have no symptoms during acute infection, which is why it's sometimes called a "silent" infection. Without treatment, about 75-85% of infected people develop chronic hepatitis C, which can slowly damage the liver over 20-30 years, potentially leading to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. The good news is that hepatitis C is now curable—modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments cure over 95% of people in 8-12 weeks with minimal side effects. Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact: sharing needles or injecting equipment (the most common route in the UK), needlestick injuries, unsterile tattooing or piercing, sharing razors or toothbrushes with an infected person, and less commonly through sexual contact (higher risk with HIV co-infection or practices that may cause bleeding). Unlike hepatitis B, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, making testing and treatment the key strategies for prevention and control. Important: A positive hepatitis C antibody result does not necessarily mean you have current infection. It indicates you have been exposed to hepatitis C at some point. About 15-25% of people clear the virus naturally but retain antibodies for life. A positive antibody result requires follow-up testing (HCV RNA or PCR test) to determine whether you have active infection that needs treatment. Results require clinical interpretation and follow-up with your GP or a hepatology specialist.