Patients aged 16 and over who have blood taken when they attend A&E at the Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) will be tested for HIV and hepatitis B and C, unless they choose to opt out.
QMC’s A&E is one of the busiest in the country with thousands of blood tests carried out each year. The blood borne virus testing (BBV) will lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment for patients who may be unaware that they have one of the viruses.
Many people are living with an undiagnosed BBV. Hepatitis B and C are viruses that affect the liver and HIV affects the immune system.
The routine testing will enable patients with a BBV to access treatment to improve longer-term health outcomes and saves lives.
Posters and leaflets are available in A&E to inform patients about the testing. If patients are not required to have a blood test during their visit, they will not be tested.
Sarah Montague, Hepatitis C Operational Delivery Network Manager at NUH said: “Introducing routine testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and C allows us, as a hospital, to target viruses which affect our local community.
“Early detection of the viruses is key as patients are commonly unaware of their disease until complications and health problems in later life.
“It’s a fantastic move for NUH. The Opt-Out testing programme in our A&E will make a significant impact in diagnosing those living with HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B.”
All patients who have a blood test in A&E at QMC will be given an information leaflet to explain why routine testing for HIV and hepatitis B and C has been introduced. If the test comes back positive, the person is offered specialist support and a treatment plan is put in place for them.
All patients will be able to opt-out of the testing by speaking to a member of staff.
