HC Deb 11 December 2000 vol 359 c19W
Dr. Iddon

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will allow access to confidential hepatitis C testing in the NHS without the necessity for those wishing to be tested having to volunteer to be a blood donor. [142246]

Yvette Cooper

Hepatitis C testing is available in the National Health Service other than through blood donation. Those who have been at risk of exposure to hepatitis C and who seek testing in the National Health Service should be offered well-informed advice and made aware of the implications of a positive test. Those who test positive will be referred to a specialist for confirmatory testing, further assessment and treatment, if appropriate.