A&E testing scheme finds dozens of people with blood borne viruses in the first 100 days
The A&E department opt-out testing programme for blood borne viruses (BBV) has helped to diagnose dozens of people with HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in Nottingham.
In the first 100 days, 16,900 tests identified six new HIV infected individuals, thirteen new Hepatitis B and nine Hepatitis C diagnoses.
The scheme was introduced at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) in July to identify people living with an undiagnosed BBV and improve access to testing while reducing stigma and ultimately saving lives.
Dr Ashini Fox, a HIV specialist at NUH, said: “Opt-out testing in emergency departments is a vital public health measure, identifying HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infection in people who would otherwise not access testing - reducing transmission and improving outcomes for individuals and communities alike.
“By making testing routine, we remove barriers to diagnosis, reduce stigma and enable equitable access to care.”
Patients aged 16 and over who have blood taken when they attend A&E at QMC are automatically tested for HIV and Hepatitis B and C, unless they choose to opt out.
Sarah Montague, Hepatitis C Operational Delivery Network Manager at NUH said: “Early detection is key as patients are commonly unaware of their disease until complications and health problems in later life.
“Introducing routine testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and C has allowed us, as a hospital, to target viruses which affect our local community.”
Patients with a positive test are offered specialist support and a treatment plan is put in place for them.
Dr Fox added: “Whilst receiving a positive HIV test result is difficult and for some, a significant shock, the individuals who have been diagnosed through A&E testing at NUH have all been well supported and linked very quickly into care.
“Some already have an undetectable HIV virus on treatment and are well on their way to rebuilding their immune system.”
Posters are available in the A&E department to inform patients about the testing. If patients are not required to have a blood test during their visit, they will not be tested.
Patients can opt-out of the testing by speaking to a member of staff in the department.
Molly Hansell, Screening Coordinator & Clinical Nurse Specialist at NUH said: “ The testing has been very well received by people accessing care in A&E and although you can always opt-out, very few individuals do.
“T he programme has already made a significant impact in diagnosing those living with HIV, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B in Nottingham.”
NUH was the first hospital trust in the East Midlands to introduce BBV testing in A&E. Last week Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced additional funding to extend the scheme across the country to end all new transmissions of HIV within England by 2030.
If you are worried about HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C infection, you can seek free and confidential testing by contacting:
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Sexual health services on 0300 131 7010
Home testing kits for HIV can be requested at:
www.sexualhealthnn.co.uk or Welcome to SH.UK — SH.UK
Home testing kits for hepatitis C can be requested at: Home - HepC (hepctest.nhs.uk)
Your GP practice can also undertake testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C on request.