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Original poster

To think consent is required to do a HIV or hepatitis blood test??

239 replies

Onionbhajisandwich · 14/01/2025 18:53

Hi all,

Please tell me if I’m wrong here but do the NHS require consent to test for HIV or Hepatitis?? I would have thought they did.

I attended A and E last month (sent by my GP) as I had suspected pneumonia. I received a text today stating this:

“You recently attended the Emergency Department. We are part of an NHS programme testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and C but your test wasn't processed due to technical issues. Please attend one of the walk-in blood test centres, Mon - Fri 8am- 4.30pm. We requested the repeat test electronically, so please give your NHS number on arrival. We will only contact you if the test is positive and you need care”

I’m a bit surprised that they can screen you without consent - as far as I knew the blood tests that they did we for infection markers and a full blood count, along with one that checks for clotting.

I won’t be attending to get the tests done as it’s within work time but aibu to think this isn’t ok??

OP posts:
TikehauLilly · 14/01/2025 19:14

Yabu

I can't understand that you would go to A&E as so ill and then object to the fact they test for something that can present as respiratory problems. Even without the respiratory issues, if you are ill enough to present at A&E why wouldn't you expect or want or think you don't need a blood screen for what the medical experts/NICE deem appropriate

You are applying 1980s /1990s thoughts to 2025 YABU

1AnotherOne · 14/01/2025 19:09

I’ve had 3 patients in my work history diagnosed with HIV when undergoing blood tests for ongoing respiratory problems.

always women with cheating husbands sadly.

i think it’s fair to test and many departments have information displayed saying so.

StarStay · 14/01/2025 19:08

I'm also a bit confused why anyone would opt out of this. Are you concerned about HIV OP?

Sunnnybunny72 · 14/01/2025 19:07

You used to have to be counselled prior to the test iirc, but that was years ago.

StarStay · 14/01/2025 19:06

YABU

Regardless of if they're doing general HIV screening, pneumonia can be a result of HIV and sometimes it's the first symptom someone is HIV+. Basically there could be a clinical need to test you for HIV anyway if you're presenting with pneumonia. Do you also want to consent to every other specific diagnostic blood test before they carry it out?

ButterCrackers · 14/01/2025 19:06

This should be explained to you. If you don’t want testing you should be able to opt out.

Scutterbug · 14/01/2025 19:06

I thought it was routine at all hospitals these days. It is good to identify people who are unaware they have these illnesses.

littlemisssunshine247 · 14/01/2025 19:05

I saw a poster advising this during a trip to A&E last month. Don't see the problem.

CarefulN0w · 14/01/2025 19:04

It can be important to rule out underlying conditions when people present with Pneumonia. I would recommend that you have the test OP. In the unlikely event of the test being positive, the right treatment could improve your quality of life and be literally life saving.

Catandsquirrel · 14/01/2025 19:03

I think many trusts test routinely for HIV in line with NICE guidelines. I think this should be published somewhere, whether on a poster or leaflet but I believe it's opt out.

SuperSue77 · 14/01/2025 19:01

I had a couple of trips to A&E last year and I remember seeing both times a big sign sayng that the hospital trust test all blood for HIV and hepatitis B. I can't remember what the sign said exactly, i.e. whether you could request to opt out, or it is a case that it is done routinely so like it or lump it, but it was very clear, both times I was there. So, I assume that is how they get round it. Personally I'm all for it.

JollyGreenSnake · 14/01/2025 19:00

Why on earth should it be any different to any other blood test?

When HIV is common enough, "universal screening" is really important to find people who are living with HIV and don't know it. Doing these tests saves lives and can stop HIV being passed onto other people. And there are lots of people living with HIV who do not have any of the typical "high risk" factors.

Anothercoffeeafter3 · 14/01/2025 19:00

www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/emergency-department-opt-out-testing-for-hiv-hepatitis-b-and-hepatitis-c-the-first-100-days/

Some trusts now run implied consent now when bloods are taken in ED so it's done as routine. It would also be an appropriate test for someone without risk factors pneumonia

IrritableVowel · 14/01/2025 18:57

What is your objection?