FAQs

BBVs (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV) are viruses that are passed from an infected person to others through blood or other body fluids. Many people do not have any symptoms and so do not know they are infected. They can therefore unknowingly pass the infection on to others. 

We now routinely test for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C along with the other blood tests you are having in the Emergency Department. Early diagnosis of BBVs means you can get the treatment you need sooner and be able to lead a healthier life.  

If you don’t want to be tested for BBVs, tell the person taking your blood. 

Hepatitis B affects the liver and can lead to serious liver problems. Most adults who get it are able to clear the virus naturally and recover fully, however, those who get the virus in childhood are more likely to have long term infection. It is possible to have Hepatitis B for many years and not have any symptoms. 

Hepatitis C affects the liver and can lead to serious liver problems, if not treated. You can have Hepatitis C for many years and not have any symptoms even though your liver is being damaged.   

HIV is a long-term health condition which is now very easy to manage. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. The virus targets the immune system and if untreated, weakens your ability to fight infections and disease.

Yes, people can have any of these viruses and not have any symptoms.  

BBVs are viruses that are passed from an infected person to others through blood or other body fluids, often without anyone involved being aware of any risk. Many people do not have any symptoms and so do not know they are infected. They can therefore unknowingly pass the infection on to others. 

Hepatitis B: most adults who get it are able to clear the virus naturally and recover fully. For those who don’t clear the virus naturally, treatment is available to reduce the level of virus in the body. Treatment is very effective and is usually in the form of tablets. Some people don’t need treatment for the virus but will need regular check-ups. 

Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C can be cured. Treatment is in the form of tablets, taken for 8-12 weeks.   

HIV: for most people living with HIV, treatment can be as simple as taking one or two tablets a day. The treatment is so effective that it reduces the amount of virus in the blood to undetectable levels, meaning HIV cannot be passed on. Although there is no cure yet, taking treatment means people living with HIV can expect to live a healthy life.

No. It’s normal to feel worried but, with treatment, BBVs are manageable. 

Yes, if not diagnosed and treated, a BBV can be passed on. Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV are viruses that are passed from an infected person to others through blood or other body fluids. With treatment these viruses can reduce to undetectable levels in your blood, meaning they cannot be passed on. 

Results can take up to 2 weeks. However, you will only be contacted if your test is positive or you require further testing.  

You will be contacted by the specialist service in your area that manages BBVs, e.g. the community BBV team. 

If any of your results are positive, you will be contacted by the specialist service. They will invite you to attend an appointment to discuss treatment. Information, advice and support is also available from leading organisations such as the Terrence Higgins Trust, Waverley Care and The Hepatitis C Trust. 

If your results are negative, you won’t be contacted. 

If you have not been contacted following your test in the Emergency Department but are worried you may have come into contact with a bloodborne virus, you can get in touch with your GP practice who can advise on other services that do testing in your area. 

Alternatively, you can find information on NHS Inform: 

• Hepatitis B 
• Hepatitis C
• HIV