Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and is most commonly spread through blood-to-blood contact, particularly through sharing needles.
Hepatitis C often causes no noticeable symptoms for years, meaning many people are unaware they are infected. Without treatment, chronic hepatitis C can cause progressive liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Hepatitis C antibody tests detect whether the immune system has ever responded to the virus, indicating past or current infection. A positive antibody test is followed by a confirmatory RNA test to determine if the infection is still active.
The good news is that hepatitis C is now curable. Direct-acting antiviral treatments, available on the NHS, can clear the virus in over 95% of cases.
Causes of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The primary route of transmission is blood-to-blood contact.
The most common ways people become infected include:
- Sharing needles, syringes or other equipment for injecting drugs (the most common route in the UK)
- Receiving blood transfusions or blood products before screening was introduced (1991 in the UK)
- Medical procedures using unsterilised equipment, particularly in countries where infection control is less robust
- Needlestick injuries
- Tattooing or body piercing with unsterilised equipment
Sexual transmission is uncommon but can occur, particularly among men who have sex with men and those with HIV co-infection. Mother-to-child transmission is possible but occurs in only around 5% of pregnancies to HCV-positive mothers. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C.
Tests that can help check this condition
Learn more on the official NHS page .
Medical review
Dr. Shahzaib Ahmad MBBS, BSc, MRCP, FRCA, FFICM
Clinical Supervisor - Vitall|GMC 7495062|Profile
Reviewed on 22/05/2026
Next review due 22/05/2027
Review focus: Blood biomarkers, laboratory testing methodology, and biochemical interpretation.
