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Dried Blood Spot (DBS) Testing For Hep C
Hepatitis C is a treatable and curable condition. The DBS test is a new, free, easy and private way to test for hep C.
What is the DBS Test?
DBS uses drops of blood from the end of your finger. You can watch a video about the process, here >>
The DBS Test has a number of advantages:
- No needles or syringes
- Confidential and anonymous (when completed at home)
- Convenience
Why test with DBS?
Did you know that around 1 in every 5 people living with hepatitis C don’t know they have it?1
Every person with hep C can be cured – but first you need to be tested. The dried blood spot test (DBS) is a new, free, easy and private way to test for hep C.
DBS is FREE for anyone who:
- has ever injected a drug;
- has ever been in prison or attended a community corrections service;
- identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander;
- has ever attended a drug and alcohol service or mental health service;
- has experienced homelessness; or
- is anyone from countries where hep C is more common
You also must be over 16 years of age and living in NSW.
How to access DBS testing?
The test can be accessed in two main ways:
- At home, you register online and a testing kit is sent to you in the mail.
- In a clinic or pop-up service, you can get a nurse, a peer or another worker to help you and they can register you online.
You can get your results by phone, SMS text or email so you don’t need to go to a clinic or see a doctor to do this test.
The DBS test has a number of advantages
No needles or syringes
DBS uses drops of blood from the end of your finger and doesn’t involve doctors or nurses taking blood from veins using a needle and syringe.
Confidential and anonymous
By doing the test at home, no one has to know who you are and you don’t need to see anyone face to face. You just need to provide enough detail for someone to contact you with the results.
Convenience
DBS is ideal if it is hard to get to a clinic or GP, you can take the test any time that suits you.
Accessing treatment
If you complete a DBS test and your result is positive then the nurses giving you results can help you access treatment.
Further information about DBS testing
To chat about DBS or for further information
Call the Hepatitis Infoline 1800 803 990
Or go to DBS website
