Get tested for blood-borne viruses

What are blood-borne viruses?

Blood-borne viruses (BBVs) are passed on through bodily fluids such as blood, semen and vaginal secretions. They include hepatitis B and C, and HIV.

BBVs can cause serious harm to your organs and bodily functions, although some people don’t notice the symptoms for months or years.

Tiny amounts of blood that we might not even be able to see can carry BBVs. The hepatitis C virus can live on items for weeks and you can get hepatitis C more than once.

If you have doubts that you have been exposed, the safest thing to do is be tested.

Read more about hepatitis B and hepatitis C

Read more about HIV

Get a free blood-borne virus test

We offer free, straightforward testing for:

  • Hepatitis B  
  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV

We take one finger-prick sample to test for all three BBVs. We send the sample to a laboratory and usually receive the results in two to four weeks.

It can take up to 12 weeks for BBVs to be detected by testing. Please be mindful of this. Whilst testing is generally very reliable, we cannot guarantee 100% result accuracy.

Getting tested regularly can help with early diagnosis and ensure results are accurate.

Sharing your hepatitis and HIV test results

We’ll need your contact details and contact preferences so we can share your test results.

If your test is positive, we notify your GP and refer you to the local NHS team. If we cannot contact you, you may receive your result from a health worker outside of Change Grow Live. If you are referred for treatment, the NHS team and any others involved in your care may share information with us.

We can also refer you to The Hepatitis C Trust, which offers support for anyone being treated for the virus.

For more information, please see our privacy policy.

Outlook and treatment

Hepatitis B can clear up on its own. There is also treatment available to manage and prevent complications from long-term (chronic) hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C can be cured by taking prescribed tablets for as little as 8-12 weeks. This treatment does not usually have any side effects.

HIV is not curable but many people living with HIV now live long and healthy lives, thanks to antiretroviral therapy (ART). This can make infection levels undetectable, so the person cannot pass it on. 

How to keep yourself and others safer

  • Pick up free, sterile equipment via our needle and syringe programme, either in person or delivered to your home.
  • Get a hepatitis B vaccination if you meet the criteria. Please ask us for more information.
  • Ask your local sexual health or health service for:
    • Condoms, dental dams and chemsex packs.
    • Medication such as PrEP and PEP. These can help prevent HIV infection if you think you have been exposed to the virus or may be in future. Learn more from Terrence Higgins Trust.
  • Avoid sharing personal hygiene items and drug equipment. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local service.

More information