Routine HIV, Hepatitis C and Syphilis Testing in the Emergency Department – PIL1598 version 1

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust now offer routine HIV, Hepatitis C and Syphilis testing for adult patients in our Emergency Department who are already having bloods taken as part of their treatment.

This leaflet will give you some more information about the tests and the reasons they are being offered.

Why should I be tested?

HIV, Hepatitis C and Syphilis are infections carried in the blood. Many people with these infections do not have symptoms, and this means they do not know they have the condition.

Knowing that you have one of these conditions means you can protect yourself and others.

The tests for these infections are optional and if you decide to opt-out of these tests your care will not be affected.

How could these infections affect my health?

Late diagnosis of HIV reduces life expectancy by around 15 years and causes significant ill-health.

Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver damage (cirrhosis) and liver cancer.

Syphilis is a serious infection which can affect many body systems and can be passed on to a baby during pregnancy.

If I have these infections could I pass them on to others?

It is possible to pass these infections to others through sex, or contact with infected blood (e.g. sharing needles). Taking treatment regularly stops the risk of passing the viruses onto others.

Is there treatment for people with these infections?

HIV can be managed with daily tablets. If diagnosed early enough people with HIV can live a long and healthy life.

Hepatitis C and Syphilis can be cured with a short course of medications.

How would I know if I have any of these conditions?

If you have a ‘reactive result’ (provisional positive) we will contact you to make an appointment to discuss the next steps. If your test for syphilis is positive you will be contacted by the local sexual health clinic to arrange assessment and treatment after we provide your information to them.

If you are concerned about your risk for any of these conditions you can contact the team using the contact details at the end of this leaflet 28 days after having your sample taken to check your results.

However we do not normally inform patients of a negative test result and would only contact you if one of the results was positive.

If you have any queries, or would like to know whether your sample has been tested, please contact us using the details at the end of this leaflet.

What is the ‘window period’?

The window period is the time it takes from being infected until the infection shows up on your blood test:

• It can take 6 to 12 weeks for HIV or Syphilis to show up on your blood test.
• It can take up to 6 months for Hepatitis C to show up on your blood test.

If you have been at recent risk of these infections, you can contact your GP or local sexual health service for a follow-up test.

Further information

Teesside Together (Sexual health, Teesside)
www.teessidetogether.co.uk

YorSexualHealth (North Yorkshire)
www.yorsexualhealth.org.uk

The Hepatitis C Trust
www.hepctrust.org.uk

Terrence Higgins Trust
www.tht.org.uk

Contact us

If you require further information please contact us on:
Telephone: 01642 854389
Email: [email protected]

Further Information

UK Health and Security Agency; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bloodborne-viruses-opt-out-testing-in-emergency-departments/emergency-department-bloodborne-virus-opt-out-testing-12-month-interim-report-2023

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]