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Home > Services and Departments > Accident and emergency A&E > Emergency Department Blood Borne Virus Screening

Emergency Department Blood Borne Virus Screening

Many people are living with an undiagnosed Blood Borne Virus (BBV). To ensure these infections are picked up as early as possible, all patients attending our adult Emergency Department, aged 16 and over, will now be tested for Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs). These include hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

The pilot project has now ended and we hope to share our findings shortly.

Many people are living with an undiagnosed Blood Borne Virus (BBV). To ensure these infections are picked up as early as possible, all patients attending our adult Emergency Department at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston, aged 16 and over, will now be tested for Blood Borne Viruses (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, Brighton, Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, successfully linking many patients to 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 of these conditions helps to prevent transmission.

Consent

Testing for BBVs in our Boston 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 refer to the section ‘How do I opt-out?’

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

This pilot project will be going live on Monday 15 September 2025 for one month.

 

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 acquiring 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 (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 a retest.

If there are any questions, please contact:

 

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 there are any questions, please contact:

 

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.

Transmission and stigma

Stigma, discrimination, a lack of awareness and heath inequalities remain major barriers to preventing transmission of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Testing in Emergency Departments has been shown to increase access to testing for people least likely to present for testing in other healthcare settings such as sexual health services or with their GP.

We hope ED opt-out testing at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston will normalise testing for BBVs and remove stigma associated with risk-based testing strategies as anyone having a blood test is eligible for testing.

I did not have blood tests in the Emergency Department, how can I access Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV screening in the community?

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: Home – HepC (hepctest.nhs.uk)

HIV

To get an HIV test in Boston, you can visit the Lincolnshire Sexual Health clinic at the Boston Health Clinic, located at Lincoln Lane, Boston, PE21 8RU. Telephone: 01522 309309.

Alternatively, you can order a free at-home STI test kit from FreeandClear. This service is available to those over 15 and living in Lincolnshire, Nottingham City and Derbyshire: SH:24

Free and Clear – Free STI Tests for People in Lincolnshire

Not everyone will be eligible for a test via these websites due to how services are funded. There are some eligibility criteria. If you are unable to request a test online, we’d recommend attending your GP or local sexual health service.

Where can I find further support and advice outside of the hospital?

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

The British Liver Trust

If you or someone you know has been affected by liver disease, including hepatitis B, and you want to talk to someone about it, please get in touch.

Telephone: 0800 652 7330

Online form: Contact Us – British Liver Trust

Open weekdays 9am to 3pm

Website: British Liver Trust – Pioneering Liver Health

The Hepatitis C Trust

If you or someone you know has been affected by hepatitis C and you want to talk to someone about it, please get in touch.

Telephone: 020 7089 6221

Open weekdays 10.30am to 4.30pm

(Opening hours may vary on Bank Holidays and over the Christmas period)

Email: [email protected]

Website: The Hepatitis C Trust | Hep C charity (hepctrust.org.uk)

The Terrance Higgins Trust

If you or someone you know has been affected by HIV and you want to talk to someone about it, please get in touch.

Telephone: 0808 802 1221

Open weekdays 10am to 6pm.

(Opening hours may vary on Bank Holidays and over the Christmas period)

Email: [email protected]

Live Chat: Available Monday to Friday, 11am to 1pm and 3pm to 5pm.

Website: Home | Terrence Higgins Trust (tht.org.uk)

Who should I contact for further information?

If there are any questions, please contact: