Emergency Department Routine Testing for HIV, Hep B and Hep C
From 1 March 2025 we will be offering routine Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV testing in our Emergency Department for all our patients aged 16 and over who are having bloods taken for another reasons.
This automatic testing is part of a national NHS initiative to test in the areas with the highest prevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C to detect people living with the viruses, offer treatment and ultimately save lives.
Why should I be tested?
- HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are viruses carried in the blood.
- Many people with these viruses have no symptoms and are unaware of carrying them.
- Knowing you have (or do not have) HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C means that you can protect yourself and others.
How do the viruses affect your health?
- HIV affects the immune system by making it weaker, meaning it is much harder for the body to fight off infection.
- Late diagnosis of HIV reduces life expectancy by around 15 years and causes significant ill-health.
- Hepatitis B & C is a leading cause of liver damage (cirrhosis) and liver cancer.
If I have these viruses, could I pass them on to others?
- It is possible to pass these viruses to others through sex, or contact with infected blood, (e.g. sharing needles).
- Taking treatment regularly eliminates the risk of passing the viruses on to others.
Do treatments help for those diagnosed with HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C?
- HIV can be managed with daily tablets, these antiretroviral medicines, work by stopping the virus replicating in the body, allowing the immune system to repair itself and prevent further damage.
- If diagnosed early enough, people with HIV can live a long and healthy life.
- Hepatitis B & C can be cured with a simple 12 week course of a tablet a day.
- Ignoring Hepatitis B & C can lead to liver failure and liver cancer.
How do I know if I have hepatitis B, C or HIV?
- The only way to know is to get a specific blood test, which is not usually included in blood tests done by your GP.
- We are now routinely providing HIV Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C testing for all our patients aged 16 and over who are having their blood taken in our Emergency Department for other reasons.
How will I receive results of my blood test?
- If you have a reactive result (provisional positive), we will contact you to arrange an appointment and discuss the next steps.
- If you do not hear from us within 28 days, you can assume that you’re HIV Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C test was negative. If for some reason your sample was unable to be tested for technical reasons, a member of the team will contact you and offer a retest.
How long after acquiring HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C can it be detected?
- It can take 6-12 weeks for HIV and up to 6 months for Hepatitis B & C to be detectable on a blood test after you have been infected.
- If you have been at recent risk, you can get another test through your GP or local sexual health service.
What if I don’t want to be tested?
- If you do not want to have your blood tested for HIV and/or Hepatitis B/ C, please inform the member of staff taking your blood tests.
- Please note that your results will be kept confidential, and we will only contact you if you have a provisional positive result.
