Emergency Department Blood Borne Virus Screening
Many people are living with an undiagnosed Blood Borne Virus (BBV). To ensure these infections are picked up as early as possible, all patients attending our adult Emergency Department, aged 16 and over, will now be tested for Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs). These include: hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
Hepatitis B and C are viruses that affect the liver and HIV affects the immune system.
This method of testing has already been adopted by hospitals in London, Blackpool, Manchester and Brighton, successfully linking many patients to treatment.
Hepatitis B and HIV can be managed with medication helping to prevent health complications that can develop as a result of uncontrolled chronic (long-term) infection. Hepatitis C is now curable.
Medication for all of these conditions helps to prevent transmission.
Consent
Testing for BBVs in our Emergency Department will occur on an ‘opt-out’ basis. This means if you have a blood sample taken as part of your care, we will automatically test for BBVs.
This is to help us detect as many undiagnosed people as possible. If you do not want your blood to be tested, please refer to the section ‘How do I opt-out?’
If you are not required to have a blood test during your visit, you will not be tested for BBVs.
This project is due to go live in July 2024.
What does an Emergency Department Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV test involve?
To test for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV an additional sample will be added alongside other blood tests. If you are not having a blood test in the Emergency Department you will not be offered these tests.
How long after acquiring Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV can it be detected?
It can take 6-12 weeks for HIV and up to 6 months for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C to be detectable in a blood test after you have been infected. If you have had a recent risk, you can get another test through your GP or sexual health service.
How do I find out my results?
If your result is negative…
A negative result means that you did not have Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV when we did the test. If you do not hear from us within 14 days you can assume your test results are negative.
If your test result is reactive…
If your test is reactive (provisional positive) we will contact you directly to arrange an appointment with the relevant specialist service to discuss the next steps.
If we are unable to process your test for technical reasons you will be contacted by a member of the team and offered a retest.
For further information about tests results you can contact: telephone/email
What if my contact details change or are incorrect?
Please ensure the Emergency Department team have your current telephone number, address and GP practice during your attendance. Please let a member of staff know if they need to be updated.
If your contact details change in the 14 days following your test please contact: telephone/email
How do I opt out?
Many people do not realise they are infected with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV. This is why we are testing everyone that comes to our Emergency Department so that we can offer lifesaving treatment. All results will be kept confidential and we will only contact you if you have a provisional positive result.
If you do not want to have your blood tested for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV please inform the member of staff taking your blood.
Transmission and stigma
Stigma, discrimination, a lack of awareness and heath inequalities remain major barriers to preventing transmission of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Testing in Emergency Departments has been shown to increase access to testing for people least likely to present for testing in other healthcare settings such as sexual health services or with their GP.
We hope ED opt-out testing at NUH will normalise testing for BBVs and remove stigma associated with risk-based testing strategies as anyone having a blood test is eligible for testing.
Where can I find further support and advice outside of the hospital?
There are several charities with helplines that provide further support to patients and to patient’s friends, relatives and carers.
The British Liver Trust
If you or someone you know has been affected by liver disease, including hepatitis B, and you want to talk to someone about it, please get in touch.
Telephone: 0800 652 7330
Online form: Contact Us - British Liver Trust
Open weekdays 9am to 3pm
Website: British Liver Trust - Pioneering Liver Health
The Hepatitis C Trust
If you or someone you know has been affected by hepatitis C and you want to talk to someone about it, please get in touch.
Telephone: 020 7089 6221
Open weekdays 10.30am to 4.30pm
(Opening hours may vary on Bank Holidays and over the Christmas period)
Email: helpline@hepctrust.org.uk
Website: The Hepatitis C Trust | Hep C charity (hepctrust.org.uk)
The Terrance Higgins Trust
If you or someone you know has been affected by HIV and you want to talk to someone about it, please get in touch.
Telephone: 0808 802 1221
Open weekdays 10am to 6pm.
(Opening hours may vary on Bank Holidays and over the Christmas period)
Email: info@tht.org.uk
Live Chat: Available Monday to Friday, 11am to 1pm and 3pm to 5pm.