If you need a blood test whilst in one of our emergency departments (A&E) at UHB, our hospitals will try our best to test all people who are 16 years and over for the following infections:
- HIV
- hepatitis B
- hepatitis C
It is important to diagnose HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C early. Medication is free from the NHS and for both HIV and hepatitis B medication will ensure you have a normal life expectancy. For hepatitis C, a course of treatment can cure you from the infection.
Blood-borne virus (BBV) testing in Emergency Departments
HIV is a virus that damages your immune system. This means that it is harder to fight infections and diseases. Many people do not realise they have been at risk of HIV infection. Symptoms can take many years to develop.
Hepatitis B is a virus. It is one of the most common viral infections and affects millions of people worldwide. Long-term (chronic) infections can be controlled so in most people they do not cause serious problems.
Hepatitis C is a virus. If it is not treated it can cause serious liver damage, making you feel very unwell. Over many years, hepatitis C damage can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. You might have hepatitis C for many years before you feel unwell. But early treatment can help to prevent liver damage.
This is why it is so important for this opt out testing to be taking place in our hospitals. Since the project started in 2024, we have diagnosed over 200 people living with blood borne viruses. Many of these people have already received lifesaving treatment.
Alongside the bloods you will be having as part of your care, it is only one extra tube of blood and it could end up saving your life.
We try to test all samples, but sometimes there isn’t enough left to do so. Therefore, we can’t promise that your sample will always be tested.
If you would like to check if you were tested for BBVs on your last visit or know the results of these tests you can contact the BBV results management team on the below.
Getting your results
A negative result
A negative result means you did not have the HIV, hep B and hep C when we did the test. We do not contact you if your results are negative for any of those infections. However, if you wish to know the result of your test or have any questions about your testing, please call the BBV results hotline.
A reactive result
If any of your blood-borne virus tests (HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C) are reactive then a specialist results team from UHB will contact you directly to discuss the next steps which will include a repeat blood test.
If your test result is then confirmed as a true positive, we will then refer you to a team of Hospital specialists to care for you. They have many years of experience in supporting people to manage the conditions.
Testing positive is often a shock, but it is much worse for your health to live with these conditions that are undiagnosed and not being treated.
Please make sure we have your correct contact details. If they change, please get in touch.
If you do not want to be tested for BBVs
It's always much better to have a test and check if you have any of these conditions and need life-saving treatment.
However, if you do not want to be tested for any of these three conditions in the emergency department, please speak to a member of staff who will make sure you are opted out of the process
If you have any concerns, please get in touch.
Last reviewed: 23 January 2026