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.

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.

This is already happening for people having blood tests in some other parts of the UK - including London, Manchester, Liverpool and Brighton.

Advice if you are taking PrEP

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.

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

Why is this important?

Do I have to have these tests?

You do not have to have these tests. If you would like to “opt out” of having these tests, you must tell the staff member who is taking your blood. Choosing to opt out won’t affect your care in any way. The only difference is you won’t know if you have the viruses we screen for.

It is important to know that tests taken as part of the screening programme will be available for your GP to see as part of your health record. If you would prefer your GP not to know these results, then you may wish to “opt out” of having these tests in the emergency department. Sexual health offer anonymous testing which is not accessible to GP.

What happens if I opt out?

What if my doctor thinks I need one of these tests?

What if I decide I want to have these tests later?

When do I get the results of the tests?

What happens if my test is not a negative result?

If your result is positive, the correct specialists (liver team for hepatitis B and C, or sexual health for HIV) will contact you by telephone to arrange an appointment to explain your results.

Please be aware when you get a phone call from the hospital or sexual health, it usually appears as a withheld (private) number and we cannot leave confidential information on voicemail messages. Please consider answering calls from withheld numbers for the 14 days after you came to the ED.

What if I haven’t heard anything and want to check that my result was negative?

Is treatment for HIV, hep-B and hep-C free for everyone?

Yes, everyone accessing care in the UK will be able to receive treatment for free. Testing and treatment of STIs, HIV and viral hepatitis is free to all, regardless of immigration status, under public health grounds for management of communicable diseases. Up to 3 months prescribed treatment can be given to patients who are being removed from the country, so in terms of hep-C a full course of treatment is always possible. For HIV and hep-B NHS standard treatment and support will be provided whilst in the country, and while receiving treatment individuals would be supported with advice so that on leaving the UK they are can be responsible for continuing their own care.

Treatment for HIV is long term, how do I reassure someone who is not a permanent UK resident that they will be supported with the right care?

Treatment for HIV is free for everyone regardless of immigration status and those without access to public funds. Up to 3 months prescribed treatment can be given to patients who are being removed from the country. HIV requires ongoing intervention; NHS standard treatment and support will be provided whilst in the country and while receiving treatment individuals would be supported with advice so that on leaving the UK they are can be responsible for continuing their own care.

Treatment for hep-B is long term, how do I reassure someone who is not a permanent UK resident that they will be supported with the right care?

Treatment for viral hepatitis is free for everyone regardless of immigration status and those without access to public funds. Up to 3 months prescribed treatment can be given to patients who are being removed from the country. Hep-B requires ongoing intervention; NHS standard treatment and support will be provided whilst in the country and while receiving treatment individuals would be supported with advice so that on leaving the UK they are can be responsible for continuing their own care.

How can I get more information?

If you would like more information about these viruses, see the links below.

You can also:

‘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

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. ‘Immunodeficiency’ refers to the weakening of the immune system by the virus. HIV can be causing damage silently for many years; you may have no signs or symptoms.

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.

Find out more:

Hepatitis B

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.

Find out more:

Hepatitis C

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.

Find out more: