Rapid Hepatitis B Testing Service

Get tested and remove anxiety

Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy has partnered with Better2Know to offer a rapid, confidential Hepatitis B testing service. This service provides instant results for several sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including Hepatitis B. If you’re uncertain about whether you have Hepatitis B or not, it’s crucial to get tested. Hepatitis B is a significant global health issue, and if left undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to serious health problems.

Essential Hepatitis B and Testing Details

STI Type: Virus

Transmission: Infected body fluids such as semen, blood, pre-ejaculate, vaginal fluid, and breast milk; unprotected sex with an infected person; contaminated objects like needles; mother-to-child transmission during or before birth.

Treatment: Rest and recuperation, specialist monitoring, and antiviral drugs.

Consequences: Cirrhosis, long-term liver damage, liver failure, and liver cancer.

Sample Needed: Blood sample via a finger prick.

Incubation Period: 28 days.

Results Time: 15 minutes.

When Should I Get Tested?

The Hepatitis B test provided by Better2Know has a 28-day incubation period. You should wait 28 days after potential exposure to the Hepatitis B virus before getting tested. This period allows the virus to reach detectable levels in your body, ensuring that the test results are accurate.

What Will I Receive With My Results?

Your rapid Hepatitis B test results are available approximately 20 minutes after the test begins. Once ready, you will be provided with a Better2Know Rapid Test Results Report, which will clearly state whether your result is positive or negative.

Your Rapid Hepatitis B Test Procedure

Our team is here to help with any concerns you may have about sexually transmitted infections. They can answer your questions about STIs and explain how our testing service works, providing the information you need to feel comfortable and informed.

Visiting Better2Know’s Private Sexual Health Clinic

When you visit Better2Know’s private sexual health clinic, an Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy team member will be there to assist you. They will guide you through the test procedures, explaining each step and answering any questions you may have. Your comfort and understanding are our priorities, so we make sure you know what to expect before, during, and after the test.

Sample Collection and Test Process

For the rapid Hepatitis B test, a blood sample is required, typically collected by pricking the finger. Your healthcare provider will apply the blood sample to a test cassette. If two lines appear, the test is reactive (indicating the presence of Hepatitis B); if only one line appears, the test is negative.

Hepatitis B Treatment If Your Test Is Positive

If your rapid Hepatitis B test is reactive, a second blood sample will be required to confirm the initial result, and this is included in the total cost. Should this test also be positive, you will be referred to a specialist, who can guide you through the treatment process, offering support and advice for managing your condition effectively.

Which Other STIs Can I Test For?

Better2Know’s private sexual health clinics also offer instant testing for six other sexually transmitted infections, in addition to Hepatitis B. These include HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis C, Herpes Types 1 and 2, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhoea. The instant screening services provide a comprehensive overview of your STI status.

Schedule Your Quick Hepatitis B Test

To book a confidential appointment, speak with an Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy team member in store. You can also book and pay online through our secure payment system.

More Details on Hepatitis B

Methods of Transmission

Hepatitis B can be transmitted in several ways:

Sexual intercourse: Unprotected sex with an infected person.

Sharing needles: Using needles or syringes that have been in contact with infected blood.

Contact with contaminated blood: The virus can survive outside the body for days, making it possible to contract the infection through contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment.

Mother-to-child transmission: An infected mother can pass the virus to her baby during childbirth.

Hepatitis B is a viral blood infection that affects the liver. It is highly contagious, and only a small amount of infected blood is needed to transmit the virus. The virus is resilient and can survive outside the body on surfaces like door handles or kitchen utensils for four or more days, posing a risk even in seemingly low-risk situations.

Symptoms

Many people with Hepatitis B do not exhibit symptoms, making regular testing essential. When symptoms occur, they typically appear up to three months after infection and can include:

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Joint and muscle pain

If these symptoms persist for more than six months, it is important to seek medical attention, as this may indicate a chronic Hepatitis B infection.

Treatment

If you are diagnosed with Hepatitis B, a healthcare specialist needs to manage your condition. Treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the results of further tests. To start, treatment typically involves rest and managing your symptoms with over-the-counter medications. Chronic Hepatitis B infections require antiviral medications to control the virus and try to prevent more damage to your liver.

Consequences Of An Untreated Infection

Untreated Hepatitis B can lead to serious and long-term health issues, particularly concerning the liver. These may include:

• Liver cirrhosis: Scarring that leads to a loss of liver function.
• Liver failure: When the liver can no longer perform its essential functions.
• Liver cancer: Chronic Hepatitis B significantly increases the risk of developing liver cancer.
• Weakened immune system: Chronic infection can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to other STIs and infections.

Prevention

Preventing Hepatitis B infection or its transmission can be achieved by:

Vaccination: The Hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective in preventing the infection.

Using condoms: Using condoms during sexual activity can significantly reduce the risk of transmission.

Avoiding shared personal items: Refrain from sharing toothbrushes, needles or razors, as these can carry infected blood.

Pregnant women who are positive for Hepatitis B should consult their doctor early in pregnancy to discuss vaccination options, which are crucial in preventing transmission to the baby.

Availability

Find your local pharmacy page or drop in any time.