Latest data shows that 105,998 people have ordered an at-home NHS hepatitis C test, since the portal launched in May 2023.

Around 225 people have been saved from the virus thanks to NHS treatment, after testing positive through the scheme.

Analysis of the testing data reveals that 70% of all positive cases have come from the most deprived half of the population – underlining the importance of targeted outreach to address health inequalities. Positivity rates are highest among 40–44 and 45–49 year-olds (both 0.81%), followed by those aged 35–39 (0.6%).

The most common risk factors reported by positive cases include injecting drug use, sharing needles and other drug paraphernalia, and a history of prison.

More than 130 people returned insufficient RNA results and were referred on for further testing through NHS Operational Delivery Networks, with some likely to have subsequently tested positive.

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, said: ‘Reaching this milestone shows the NHS is firmly on track to eliminate hepatitis C in England ahead of the global target, saving more lives from preventable liver disease.

‘As part of our commitment to the 10-Year Health Plan, we want to make it easier for people to access care before hidden viruses like hepatitis C cause people serious harm.

‘The home testing service is available to everyone, and through targeted outreach to people at higher risk we are helping thousands avoid serious illness and reducing health inequalities in the process.'

Alongside home-testing kits, the health service also offers a comprehensive hepatitis C testing programme, including in emergency departments, mobile testing vans in the community and drug and alcohol services.

Sema Mandal, deputy director, blood safety, hepatitis, STIs and HIV at UK Health Security Agency, said: ‘Our data shows that the number of people with hepatitis C in England is continuing to fall, thanks to more people getting tested and taking treatment that clears the virus. I'm delighted to hear that 100,000 of the free self-testing kits have already been ordered via NHS online and this should further help us defeat this disease.

‘Hepatitis C elimination is in reach if we can accelerate testing, support people to get treatment, reduce the stigma experienced by people living with hepatitis C and prevent people getting the infection in the first place - particularly those who inject drugs.'