HIV opt-out testing

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system (our natural defence against infection and disease). In late-stage HIV infection, also known as AIDS, the weakened immune system means the body is more vulnerable to life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia and cancer.

HIV can affect anyone, regardless of gender or sexual preference. In 2019, around 38% of people newly diagnosed got HIV through heterosexual sex and 41% through sex between men.

Nearly 1 in 16 people who have HIV in the UK don't know that they have the virus. But for the 94% that do, life-saving HIV treatment and care can be accessed at any UK HIV clinic. Anti-HIV drugs are sometimes called combination therapy because people usually take three different drugs at the same time – often combined into one table.

Taking HIV treatment every day can supress the virus to a level where it cannot be detected and cannot be passed on. This is why getting tested for HIV is so important – you can start treatment straight away, protect your health and not pass the virus on.

More information on HIV is available here. More information on the local services for HIV is available here.

Many people can have HIV without any symptoms. They can remain silent for a long time and cause damage. Without treatment they can lead to serious long-term problems, like liver damage and cancer.

Finding and treating viruses early helps to control or cure them and stops them causing more damage. People on treatment are also less likely to pass their infection onto others.

Let the person taking your blood know that you do not wish to be tested, there is no pressure to have this done and it is your choice.  

This is part of a national programme to stop the spread of HIV. The UK is committed to ending new infections by 2030.

Testing in Emergency Departments is one of many approaches which supports the HIV Action Plan (aligned to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNAIDS global HIV strategies). It is an inclusive and population-focused approach to prevention, which benefits individuals, the public and the NHS.

Sexual Health Services will be able to provide you with different options for support during your healthcare journey. Care and treatment is safe, effective and free from the NHS.

Community support is available, these are volunteers who have lived with and overcome HIV. They are on hand to offer support, guidance and practical advice if you need it via SMS, email, telephone or face to face. 

Yes. If you have previously opted out but now wish to be tested, please let a member of staff know so that if we are testing your blood on a different visit, we can arrange these tests for you.

Online and in person tests are available for people who live in Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight via local sexual health services, find more information, make an appointment or order an online test today. 

It is important to know that tests taken as part of the screening programme will be available for your GP as part of your health record. If you would prefer your GP not to know these results, then you may wish to “opt out” of having these tests in the Emergency Department.

If your test is not negative, our clinical teams will reach out to you first. After this they will arrange any necessary repeat tests and coordinate a referral with the appropriate service. This will mean sharing your details with the appropriate services. Your data will be kept confidential and only shared with other healthcare professionals when necessary for your care.

If you don’t have an emergency, please do not attend the emergency department. If you wish to be tested for HIV, then contact your GP or local sexual health service who can arrange this for you.