Blood Borne Virus screening at Royal Derby Hospital

Many people are living with an undiagnosed Blood Borne Virus (BBV).

To ensure these infections are identified as early as possible, all patients attending our adult Emergency Department, aged 16 and over and requiring a blood test will now also be tested for BBVs. These include hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

Hepatitis B and C are viruses that affect the liver and HIV affects the immune system.

This method of testing has already been adopted by hospitals in London, Blackpool, Manchester and Brighton, successfully supporting many patients to access treatment.

Hepatitis B and HIV can be managed with medication helping to prevent health complications that can develop as a result of uncontrolled chronic (long-term) infection. Hepatitis C is now curable.

Medication for all these conditions helps to prevent further transmission.


Consent

Testing for BBVs in our Emergency Department will occur on an ‘opt-out’ basis. This means if you have a blood sample taken as part of your care, we will automatically test for BBVs.

This is to help us detect as many undiagnosed people as possible. If you do not want your blood to be tested, please see the ‘How do I opt-out?’ section below.

If you are not required to have a blood test during your visit, you will not be tested for BBVs.

What does an Emergency Department hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV test involve?

To test for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV an additional sample will be added alongside other blood tests. If you are not having a blood test in the Emergency Department you will not be offered these tests.

How long after contracting hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV can it be detected?

It can take six to 12 weeks for HIV and up to six months for hepatitis B and hepatitis C to be detectable in a blood test after you have been infected. If you have had a recent risk, you can get another test through your GP or sexual health service.

How do I find out my results?

If your result is negative

A negative result means that you did not have hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV when we did the test. If you do not hear from us within 14 days you can assume your test results are negative.


If your test result is reactive

If your test is reactive (which is also called 'provisional positive') we will contact you directly to arrange an appointment with the relevant specialist service to discuss the next steps.

If we are unable to process your test for technical reasons you will be contacted by a member of the team and offered another test.

For further information about test results you can contact our BBV clinical nurse specialist by emailing DHFT.hepnurses@nhs.net

What if my contact details change or are incorrect?

Please ensure the Emergency Department team have your current telephone number, address and GP practice during your attendance. Please let a member of staff know if they need to be updated.

If your contact details change in the 14 days following your test please contact our BBV clinical nurse specialist by emailing DHFT.hepnurses@nhs.net or calling 01332 340131 and asking for extension 89526.

How do I opt out?

Many people do not realise they are infected with hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV. This is why we are testing everyone that comes to our Emergency Department so that we can offer lifesaving treatment. All results will be kept confidential, and we will only contact you if you have a provisional positive result.

If you do not want to have your blood tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV please inform the member of staff taking your blood.

Accessing screening elsewhere

If you did not have blood tests in the Emergency Department, you can access hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV screening elsewhere.


Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B testing is available via your GP and sexual health services.


Hepatitis C

Patients with an English postcode can order a free finger prick home testing kit from NHS hepatitis C testing (opens in new window) >.  


HIV

Home tests for HIV can be requested on the SH:24 website (opens in new window) >.

There are some eligibility criteria which means not everyone will be eligible for a test via these websites due to how services are funded. If you are unable to request a test online, please contact your GP or local sexual health service.

Further support

If you have had screening at Royal Derby Hospital, you can contact us for further information.

A screening coordinator and clinical nurse specialists can be contacted on:

There are several charities with helplines that provide further support to patients and their friends, relatives and carers.

The British Liver Trust: Supporting people who have been affected by liver disease, including hepatitis B.

 

The Hepatitis C Trust: Supporting people who have been affected by hepatitis C.

 

The Terrance Higgins Trust: Supporting people who have been affected by HIV.

 

 

Documents

Files(3)

Name Size/Type Description Date
Blood Borne Virus screening at Royal Derby Hospital (in Polish) 65KB PDF 07 Feb 2025
Blood Borne Virus screening at Royal Derby Hospital (in Punjabi) 96KB PDF 07 Feb 2025
Blood Borne Virus screening at Royal Derby Hospital (in Urdu) 131KB PDF 07 Feb 2025