An emergency department opt-out testing programme for bloodborne viruses has helped to diagnose thousands of people with HIV, hepatitis B and C.
A new report by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the University of Bristol has found that the NHS England (NHSE) emergency department opt-out testing programme for bloodborne viruses has helped to diagnose thousands of people with serious infections.
The report evaluates the first 12 months of the NHSE funded emergency department opt-out testing programme for bloodborne viruses, which was introduced in April 2022.
The programme aims to test people attending emergency departments who are having a blood test, regardless of symptoms and therefore increase the number of people diagnosed and in treatment and care for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Thousands of people in England are thought to be living with an undiagnosed bloodborne virus, which can be effectively treated.
During the first year, 33 emergency departments conducted 857,117 HIV tests, 473,723 HCV tests, and 366,722 HBV tests and nearly 2,000 people were newly diagnosed with a bloodborne virus.
Dr Sema Mandal, deputy director of blood safety, hepatitis, STI and HIV division at UKHSA, said: The opt-out testing programme in emergency departments is making a significant impact in diagnosing those living with HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B. Our 12-month evaluation highlights how many people are living with an undiagnosed bloodborne virus. Fewer new diagnoses of HIV and hepatitis C were made compared to hepatitis B, highlighting the significant efforts and financial investment made to enhance diagnosis and treatment for HIV and HCV. Similar efforts are necessary for HBV to meet disease elimination targets."
Matt Fagg, director for prevention and long-term conditions at NHSE, said: "It is thanks to our routine opt-out testing programme in emergency departments that the NHS has been able to identify and treat thousands more people living with HIV and hepatitis.
"Without this testing programme, these people may have gone undiagnosed for years, but they now have access to the latest and most effective life-saving medication – helping to prevent long-term health issues and reducing the chances of unknown transmissions to others.
"The NHS is committed to making all contact with patients count, and this testing programme is a good example of how we are taking advantage of every opportunity to support people with staying well, preventing illness and saving lives."
