In a significant move towards eradicating new transmissions of HIV and Hepatitis, the United Kingdom is set to expand its opt-out blood testing program, potentially saving thousands of lives. Under this scheme, individuals undergoing blood tests at selected Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments will automatically be tested for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, unless they explicitly choose to opt out. This initiative, recently announced by the government, is a part of a £20 million project that builds upon the remarkable success of the HIV opt-out testing program.
Expanding Access and Impact
During the initial 18 months of the opt-out testing program, 33 emergency departments conducted millions of tests, leading to the identification of over 4,000 individuals unknowingly living with bloodborne infections, including hundreds with HIV. The program is now set to expand further, encompassing 46 additional emergency departments situated in 32 high HIV prevalence areas across England.
Dr. Thomas Waite, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, emphasized the extraordinary uptake of the program. Its aim is not only to reach those who do not routinely engage with HIV or STI services but also to ensure that marginalized groups, including women and older individuals, are not left behind. Dr. Waite acknowledged the variation in uptake rates by area and stressed the need to tailor efforts to different populations, particularly those most in need of testing.
Taking Control of One’s Health
Regular testing remains pivotal in controlling the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The government recommends annual testing for gay and bisexual men, or more frequent testing (every three months) for those engaging in unprotected sex with new partners. Dr. Waite highlighted that knowing one’s status empowers individuals to access highly effective treatments for HIV and other infections, ultimately improving their quality of life.
A Crucial Step Towards Ending New HIV Cases
Richard Angell, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, described the expansion as a “testing turbo boost” that could lead to the end of new HIV cases by 2030. The initiative will result in an additional 2 million HIV tests being conducted in A&E departments over the next year. Opt-out HIV testing in A&E settings is expected to account for more than half of all tests conducted in England. This significant scaling up of testing is crucial in identifying the 4,400 individuals who are still living with undiagnosed HIV.
Angell emphasized the clear evidence supporting the effectiveness of testing everyone in emergency departments for HIV, reaching individuals who might not have been tested otherwise. This approach not only saves the NHS millions but also alleviates pressure on the healthcare system and addresses healthcare inequalities, with a higher likelihood of diagnosis among black individuals, women, and older people in A&E settings.
As the UK continues to push forward in its efforts to combat HIV and Hepatitis, the expansion of opt-out blood tests represents a pivotal step towards achieving the goal of ending new transmissions by 2030, offering hope for a healthier future for all.