This is an ‘opt out’ test, meaning every blood test that is taken will also be screened for these viruses, unless you tell us not to. Occasionally there is another reason the tests could not be completed – for example, there wasn’t enough blood taken to do the tests. There is a chance that if […]
There is a chance that if you are taking, or have been recently taking, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that a negative test result will be a “false negative”. This means that the test would not identify the early stage of an HIV infection. It is therefore important that people who take PrEP do not rely on this screening test in the ED and should continue to have regular HIV and sexual health testing.
Find out more:
Advice if you are taking PrEP
Hepatitis B affects your liver. Most adults that contract hepatitis B recover fully, but if contracted as a child it is unlikely that the body will clear the virus on its own. Treatment is very effective and is usually in the form of one tablet, taken once a day. Some people do not need treatment for the virus as it may not be causing damage to the liver. They will need regular check-ups though. An important other step is to vaccinate those that live with you and these vaccines can be provided free of charge by your GP.
How else can I access HIV and other sexual health testing?
- ‘Lets talk about it’ sexual health clinics can provide information about and test for blood borne viruses and other infections. Appointments can be booked via your personal health record or by phoning 0300 300 2016.
- You can request a home testing kit from the sexual health website.
- It is also possible to talk to your GP about having these tests at your general practice surgery.
Frequently asked questions
How can I get more information?
Find out more:
Hepatitis C affects your liver and can lead to serious liver problems, if not treated. You can have hepatitis C for many years and not notice any symptoms, but this does not mean it isn’t affecting your liver. Hepatitis C is curable. Treatment is a course of tablets, taken for 8 to 12 weeks. You are unlikely to experience side-effects from the treatment.
- ‘Lets talk about it’ sexual health clinics can provide information about and test for bloodborne viruses and other infections. Appointments can be booked via your personal health record or by phoning 0300 300 2016.
- You can request a home testing kit from the sexual health website.
- It is also possible to talk to your GP about having these tests at your general practice surgery.
HIV
If you would like more information about these viruses, see the links below.
This is already happening for people having blood tests in some other parts of the UK – including London, Manchester, Liverpool and Brighton.
For the vast majority of people with HIV, treatment is normally a single tablet, taken once a day. The treatment is so effective that it stops the virus from reproducing in your body. It reduces the amount of virus in the blood to undetectable levels, meaning you cannot pass on HIV and can expect to live a normal lifespan.
Hepatitis B
For the vast majority of people with HIV, treatment is normally a single tablet, taken once a day. The treatment is so effective that it stops the virus from reproducing in your body. It reduces the amount of virus in the blood to undetectable levels, meaning you cannot pass on HIV and can expect to live a normal lifespan.
Hepatitis C
For the vast majority of people with HIV, treatment is normally a single tablet, taken once a day. The treatment is so effective that it stops the virus from reproducing in your body. It reduces the amount of virus in the blood to undetectable levels, meaning you cannot pass on HIV and can expect to live a normal lifespan.
Information in other languages
If you have a blood test at the emergency department (ED) at Southampton General Hospital from 24 March 2025 we check to see if you have a bloodborne virus (BBV). These viruses are HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
