Emergency Department Routine Testing for HIV
From 1 July 2025 we will be offering routine HIV testing in our Emergency Department for all our patients aged 16 and over who are having bloods taken for other reasons.
This automatic testing is part of a national NHS initiative to test in the areas with the highest prevalence of HIV to detect people living with the viruses, offer treatment and ultimately save lives.
Why should I be tested?
- The HIV virus is carried in the blood.
- Many people with HIV have no symptoms and are unaware of carrying the virus.
- Knowing you have (or do not have) HIV means that you can protect yourself and others.
How do the viruses affect your health?
- HIV affects the immune system by making it weaker, meaning it is much harder for the body to fight off infection.
- Late diagnosis of HIV reduces life expectancy by around 15 years and causes significant ill-health.
If I have HIV could I pass it on to others?
- It is possible to pass the virus to others through sex, or contact with infected blood, (e.g. sharing needles).
- Taking treatment regularly eliminates the risk of passing the viruses on to others.
Do treatments help for those diagnosed with HIV?
- HIV can be managed with daily tablets, these antiretroviral medicines, work by stopping the virus replicating in the body, allowing the immune system to repair itself and prevent further damage.
- If diagnosed early enough, people with HIV can live a long and healthy life.
How do I know if I have HIV?
- The only way to know is to get a specific blood test, which is not usually included in blood tests done by your GP.
- We are now routinely providing HIV testing for all our patients aged 16 and over who are having their blood taken in our Emergency Department for other reasons.
How will I receive results of my blood test?
- If you have a reactive result (provisional positive), we will contact you to arrange an appointment and discuss the next steps.
- If you do not hear from us within 28 days, you can assume that your HIV test was negative. If for some reason your sample was unable to be tested for technical reasons, a member of the team will contact you and offer a retest.
How long after acquiring HIV can it be detected?
- It can take 6-12 weeks for HIV to be detectable on a blood test after you have been infected.
- If you have been at recent risk, you can get another test through your GP or local sexual health service.
What if I don’t want to be tested?
- If you do not want to have your blood tested for HIV, please inform the member of staff taking your blood tests.
- Please note that your results will be kept confidential, and we will only contact you if you have a provisional positive result.