HIV testing in Barnsley Emergency Department

How is HIV spread?

HIV can be spread in body fluids during sex, by sharing drugs needles, and from blood transfusions. It can also be passed from mother to baby. You can’t catch HIV from touching, hugging, kissing or coughing. You also can't catch it from objects like toilet seats or towels. Using a condom during sex helps protect against HIV.

Are certain groups more affected by HIV?

Anyone can have HIV and you do not need to have a particular sexuality or have many sexual partners to be affected.

How does it affect people?

Many people with HIV have no symptoms and may not know they are infected with HIV.
Some people live for many years without any symptoms. Without treatment HIV will eventually damage the immune system. Then the person will start to develop illnesses or serious infections.
People with HIV on treatment can have virus levels so low that they can lead a normal healthy life.

What’s the treatment for HIV?

At the moment there is no cure for HIV. Treatment is possible with medicines that keep levels of HIV to almost nothing. For most people this can be achieved by taking just one or two tablets a day.
The earlier HIV is diagnosed and treatment started the more successful it is.

Why are we offering testing in Barnsley Emergency Department?

Testing is a chance to try and diagnose the small number of people living with HIV who don’t know they have it. This gives them the opportunity to have treatment and live longer, healthier lives. It also prevents it being spread.

How is the test done?

An HIV test is a blood test that looks for proteins that show whether the virus is in the body.
An HIV test in the emergency department can usually be done as part of the other blood tests being taken.

I have had an HIV test as part of my blood tests today -now what?
Does anyone else need to know I’ve had an HIV test?

This information is confidential. It would only be shared with others when you have given your permission.

How will I find out my results?

If you have a positive result, or a result that is unclear, you will be contacted by telephone. This would be by a specialist at Spectrum Barnsley within 2-3 weeks. They will arrange for you to have another test to confirm the results. They will also talk to you about the next steps.
You will only be contacted if your result is positive. So if you don’t hear anything you can assume your result was negative.

How accurate are the results?

No test is always accurate but modern HIV tests pick up almost all HIV infections. All positive tests are repeated to confirm the result and the virus may or may not be found on further testing. The initial positive result indicates more testing is needed.If your result is negative and you haven’t been exposed to HIV in the 45 days before the test you can be confident you don’t have HIV at the time of testing

Will I need an HIV test in the future?

If you think you are at risk of HIV we recommend a repeating your testing, even if your result today is negative. This is because ‘window period’ where very early infections may not be detected..

Can I request a repeat test?

Yes, if you would like to organise an HIV test free of charge you can call Spectrum on 08000556442 or go online to www.spectrumhealth.org.uk. You can also order free home testing from this website.

Where can I get more information and advice 

Visit the Spectrum Community Healthcare website: www.spectrumhealth.org.uk

Follow this QR code for the HIV testing website:

Visit the Terrence Higgins Trust website: www.tht.org.uk

Or call 0808 802 1221 to contact their helpline.

If you need this information in an alternative format, please contact the Patient Experience and Engagement Team on 01226 434922.

Nëse ju nevojitet ky informacion në një format të ndryshëm, ju lutemi të kontaktoni ekipin e Eksperiencës së Pacientit dhe të Angazhimit në:01226 434922.

Если вам нужна эта информация в другом формате, пожалуйста, свяжитесь с отделом по работе с пациентами и взаимодействию с ними по тел: 01226 434922.

Jeśli te informacje są wymagane w innej formie, prosimy skontaktować się z Zespołem ds. doświadczenia i zaangażowania pacjenta na numer: 01226 434922.

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