Leaflet Details
| Title | Opt Out Testing for HIV |
| Department | Emergency Care / IP&C |
| Author(s) | IP&C Team |
| Review Date | August 2026 |
| Next Review | August 2028 |
| Download | A5 Booklet PDF |
| Accessibility Options | Click on the Recite Me button to show our accessibility resources |
Patient Information
Opt Out Testing for HIV at Ashford & St Peters Hospital Emergency Department
If you are ≥18 years of age and present to our Emergency Department (ED) at the ASPH your blood sample will be tested for HIV, unless you opt out. Ashford & St Peters ED is one of 47 EDs in the country which has been chosen for the blood borne virus (BBV) opt out testing nationally.
If you do not wish to be tested for these viruses, please let a member of staff know.
This will not in any way affect the care you receive from us.
How long do test results take?
It can take up to 14 days for the opt out tests to be processed and communicated.
Will I always receive a phone call
No! You will ONLY be contacted, if your test results are abnormal or not clear. If you have not received a phone call within 14 days after your blood test, this means your tests were all normal (negative for the virus) - “NO NEWS, IS GOOD NEWS”!
Why is this important?
Early diagnosis of blood-borne viruses such as HIV, can access the treatment they need sooner than otherwise. This allows people to lead healthier and better lives in the long term.
HIV
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. ‘Immunodeficiency’ refers to the weakening of the immune system by the virus. HIV can be causing damage silently for many years; you may have no signs or symptoms. Treatment is normally a fixed dose combination tablet, taking it once a day. The treatment is so effective that it stops the virus from reproducing in your body. It reduces the amount of virus in the blood to undetectable levels, meaning you cannot pass on HIV and can expect to live a normal lifespan.
Further support from Thames Valley Positive Support: https://www.tvps.org.uk/tvps
Further Questions
If you have any further questions about the opt out testing, please do not come back to the Emergency Department. The ED team will not have access to test results.
Please remember ‘No news is good news’ if tested. Please use the resources available online and on the Trust`s webpage for more information about the study via the QR code.
For any additional queries, please contact:
