Blood testing in London emergency departments (A&E)
From April this year all London emergency departments will automatically test people aged 16 and over for HIV when doing blood tests unless they opt out.
London will also be including testing for hepatitis B and hepatitis C later on in 2022.
Everyone aged 16 and over who has their blood tested in a London Emergency Department (A&E) will have it tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Many people with these conditions do not know they have them because symptoms can take years to show.
It is important to diagnose HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C early. Treatment is life-saving and free from the NHS, with medication you can expect to live long and well. People on effective HIV treatment can prevent the virus being passed on.
The results are confidential. This means they are private and only healthcare professionals involved in someone’s care will know.
The tests are routine, and people do not need to do anything extra. If a person does not wish to be tested for these conditions, they can let a member of staff know.
Fast-Track Cities London are working with NHS England and partners to support the roll out of this additional testing in A&E departments.The team are working with people living with HIV and the HIV sector, Integrated Care Systems, emergency department and HIV clinicians and public health to make sure this new testing runs seamlessly and supports London’s ambition of getting to zero.
Further information
Find out more about HIV testing, prevention and treatment at doitlondon.org.
Read about hepatitis B on the NHS website here.
Find out more about hepatitis C and get support at hepctrust.org.uk.
Read the national HIV action plan here: https://bit.ly/3IVNCLN
Frequently asked questions
FAQs – Blood testing in Emergency Departments
Guide for clinicians and hospital staff
Blood-borne viruses opt-out testing in emergency departments in London: Best practice guide
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This short statement has been translated for local printing (A4, 1 page) : If you are 16 years of age or older and need a blood test while in our Emergency Department (A&E), it will include an HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C test. If you do not wish to be tested, please speak to the staff.
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- Having a blood tested at a London A&E? If you’re 16+ we test for HIV, & soon Hep-B & Hep-C, unless you opt out. NHS treatment is lifesaving & free. Results are confidential. Watch how treatment changes lives: www.facebook.com/aidsmap/videos/511149303442502
- Getting a blood test at a London A&E? If you’re 16+ we also test for HIV, & soon Hep-B & Hep-C unless you opt out. Finding out early means free lifesaving medication & help to live a long healthy life. Results are confidential www.fasttrackcities.london/testinginae
- If you get a blood test in a London A&E & you’re 16+ it now tests for HIV, & soon Hep-B & Hep-C, unless you opt out. It’s good to be diagnosed early & get treated free to live long & well. Results are confidential www.fasttrackcities.london/testinginae
- Blood testing in London A&Es for people 16+ now automatically incl. testing for HIV, & soon Hep-B & Hep-C, unless you opt out. You’ll get medication & advice to recover & live a normal life. Your results are confidential www.fasttrackcities.london/testinginae
- HIV testing is now in London A&E blood tests for people 16+, & soon Hep-B & Hep-C, unless you opt out. Knowing means getting lifesaving treatment to help your body repair so you can live well. Results are confidential www.fasttrackcities.london/testinginae