This leaflet provides information on the BBV Screening Programme
at Blackpool Teaching Hospital (BTH) in the Emergency Department
(ED).
If you require blood tests whilst attending the ED at BTH
screening for a BBV (Blood Borne Virus) will be carried out at
the same time. The BBV test is a single test to screen for HIV,
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. This is known as a BBV screen.
Opt-out testing should be normalised and considered as part of routine care for people attending ED and having blood tests. Optout
testing is proven to be an effective approach to identify people who are unaware they have a BBV and to offer support as early as
possible for the best health outcomes.
BBV screening at BTH is an “opt out test”. This means your blood will be screened for BBVs alongside any blood test requested by ED.
If you do not wish to be screened for BBVs, inform the nurse taking your blood.
We believe this is the safest approach as many people do not realise they have been at risk of BBV infection and symptoms can take
many years to develop.
No – we will not contact you if your results are negative from the BBV screen. We aim to process results within one week.
If any of your routine screenings are positive, you will be contacted directly by the HIV team or Liver service as soon as possible. This
will be in hospital if you have been admitted as a patient or at home if you have been discharged.
It may come as unexpected to find out you have a positive test result, however, it is worse for your health to be unaware of a positive
result and not have appropriate treatment. Medication for BBVs is extremely safe and effective.
Sometimes an HIV test result may need repeating as the result is unclear. This means it is neither positive nor negative. In this case
we need to see you again to repeat the blood test. This will be arranged by our HIV Team.
Many people do not realise they have been at risk of infection, which is why it is so important for us to screen as many people as possible.
It is always better to have a BBV screen and know your results. However, if you decide you don’t want to know please speak to the
member of staff who is taking your blood and they will cancel your BBV screen.
If you are worried about getting a positive result or have further questions relating to BBVs, we can arrange for you to speak to the
HIV team or Liver service for a more in-depth discussion.
It is important we have your correct contact details in case we need to speak to you about your screen.
No – having a negative HIV test has no effect on getting life insurance or a mortgage. Even with a positive HIV result you should
not have difficulty getting personal/medical insurance, loans or mortgages. Insurance companies have understood for many years
HIV is a long-term health condition and people do very well on treatment with normal life expectancies.
‘It’s Time to know Your Status!’
To make an appointment with the HIV Team please contact directly
on 01253 951924.
To make an appointment with the Liver service Monday to Friday
09.00-17.00 phone directly on 01253 958073.
PLEASE NOTE IF WE ARE UNABLE TO CONTACT YOU IN THE EVENT OF A
POSITIVE RESULT WE WILL CONTACT YOUR GP
Terrence Higgins Trust
Terrence Higgins Trust is the leading and largest HIV & sexual
Health charity in the UK, able to offer advice and support for people
with HIV their families, friends and significant others.
• Tel: 0808 802 1221
• Email: info@tht.org.uk
• Website: www.tht.org.uk
National Aids Map (NAM)
NAM changes lives by sharing information about HIV & AIDS.
We believe independent, clear and accurate information is vital
in the fight against HIV & AIDS.
• NAM provides useful information on HIV and AIDS.
• Tel: 020 7837 6988
• Email: info@nam.org.uk
• Website: www.aidsmap.com
Contact us if you have any questions or concerns about routine HIV testing. Please contact our HIV team on 01253 951924 or visit
https://lancashiresexualhealth.nhs.uk/hiv-service/
For more information leaflets on conditions, procedures, treatments and services offered at our hospitals, please visit:
www.bfwh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-leaflets
British Liver Trust
To provide information and support to everyone affected by liver
disease including liver cancer.
General Enquiries 01425 481320
Nurse-led helpline: 0800 6527330 (9am-15.00pm Monday - Friday)
Website: https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/
Hepatitis C Trust - hepctrust.org.uk
Helpline:020 7089 6221
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 10.30am - 16.30pm
