If you had a blood transfusion before 1996, there's a chance you may have been given infected blood. This could mean you were infected with hepatitis C.

Today, all blood donated in the UK is screened using very rigorous safety standards and testing to protect both donors and patients.

Since screening was introduced, the risk of getting an infection from a blood transfusion or blood products is very low.

NHS Blood and Transplant have more information about the infected blood inquiry

If you had a blood transfusion before 1996 and you've not been tested for hepatitis C, contact your GP surgery to discuss any tests you may need.

You can also get a free home test for hepatitis C.

Find out more about the Infected Blood Inquiry, including confidential support services, from the Infected Blood Inquiry website.

England Infected Blood Support Scheme

If you or a member of your family have been affected by treatment from infected blood, you may be able to get financial support from the England Infected Blood Support Scheme.

The scheme can help provide funding for:

• private counselling and talking therapy for people and their families affected by infected blood and blood products
• the cost of certain essential health-related items or services (discretionary support)

Find out more about the England Infected Blood Support Scheme from the NHS Business Services Authority.

Support in other parts of the UK

There are different schemes to support those affected by treatment from infected blood for Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland:

• NSC Business Services Organisation: Infected Blood Payment Scheme for Northern Ireland
• National Services Scotland: Scottish Infected Blood Support Scheme
• NHS Wales: Wales Infected Blood Support Scheme

Find out more

• Find out more about HIV
• Find out more about hepatitis C
• Find out more about hepatitis B