NHS
Grampian has launched a pilot scheme aimed at diagnosing blood-borne viruses
earlier – which improves outcomes and treatment options for patients.
Early
detection of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV can be lifesaving, as they are
treatable. But if left untreated they can lead to serious illness and
death.
In
a national first, all patients who have a blood test performed as part of their
assessment at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary’s Emergency Department will be tested
for BBVs. Patients will be given the opportunity to opt-out of the pilot.
Gareth
Patton, consultant in emergency medicine, said: “Patients with blood borne
virus infections often have no symptoms, so there are people living with them
who aren’t aware that they are infected. The only way to find out if someone
has a blood borne virus is to carry out a blood test.
“Across
the UK, and the rest of the world, there is ongoing transmission of all three
BBVs, often with cases of late diagnosis. Our pilot is part of a drive to
eliminate Hepatitis C, end new transmissions of HIV and treat people living
with Hepatitis B.”
The
three-month pilot is being funded by the Scottish Government.
Dr
Patton added: "The opt-out testing project in our Emergency Department
could have a significant impact for individual patients and the wider community
by identifying those unknowingly living with blood-borne viruses in
Grampian.
“By
identifying patients in this way, we can ensure early follow-up with an
appropriate specialist for initiation of treatments available on the NHS and
also potentially reduce further spread of the infections.”
Hepatitis
C can be treated and cured with a short course of tablets; effective treatment
for HIV means patients can have undetectable viral loads and live a normal
healthy life span; and Hepatitis B can be treated to ensure the person affected
can stay healthy.
“We
have been working closely with our colleagues in Sexual Health, Hepatology and
Public Health to make this pilot as successful as possible,” Dr Patton
said.
“We
are very excited to be the first board in Scotland to offer this service, and
we look forward to evaluating the project."
For
more information on BBVs, visit
https://www.grampiansexualhealthservices.com/library/document/BBV%20Leaflet%20-%20E-Version%20final.pdf