A groundbreaking programme that automatically tests emergency patients for HIV and hepatitis in high-risk areas is being hailed as a "game-changer," having identified thousands of people living with undiagnosed viruses and connecting them to life-saving treatment.
The initiative, rolled out in 34 Emergency Departments (EDs) across England with the highest prevalence of HIV, operates on an "opt-out" basis. As part of standard blood tests during emergency care, patients are automatically screened for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C unless they choose to decline.
According to the Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK's leading HIV and sexual health charity, the programme has transformed the landscape of diagnosis, preventing thousands from living unknowingly with these viruses and offering them a path to a longer, healthier life.
The results, published after 33 months, demonstrate the scheme's significant impact:
- Extensive Reach: Over 7 million blood-borne virus (BBV) tests were conducted, accounting for roughly half of all such testing in these regions during the period.
- High Acceptance: The opt-out approach proved highly effective, with approximately 70% of eligible patients accepting the test.
- Critical Diagnoses: The scale of undiagnosed cases was revealed, with the programme identifying:
- 1 in 240 people with hepatitis B.
- 1 in 1,276 people with hepatitis C (HCV).
- 1 in 1,916 people with HIV.
- Re-engagement in Care: A major additional benefit was the re-connection of 291 individuals previously diagnosed with HIV but who had fallen out of care, ensuring they resumed vital treatment.
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton praised the programme's success. “This groundbreaking programme continues to be a huge success, identifying infections that would otherwise have gone undiagnosed,” she said. “By making testing a routine part of emergency care, we're connecting patients with lifesaving treatment earlier and helping to protect the wider community.”
She added, “It has also found almost 300 people who were previously diagnosed with HIV but were not receiving any type of care... I am delighted that because of this work, they are now receiving the treatment they need.”
The success of the opt-out testing model in these high-prevalence areas is providing a powerful case for its potential expansion, offering a proven method to curb the spread of viruses and improve public health outcomes.
Statistics from the British HIV Association (BHIVA) Conference, May 2024
