Written question asked by Brian Iddon (Labour) on Thursday, 7 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 December 2000. It was answered by Yvette Cooper (Labour) on Monday, 11 December 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: 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.

Answer: 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.

Secondary information