We are pleased to offer this new option for people in Grampian who would like a Blood Borne Virus (BBV) test. Please promote this one year pilot scheme to your networks – and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact me.
Promotional materials to follow.
NHS Grampian New Postal BBV Testing Initiative
Early diagnosis of Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs – Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV) can be life saving.
All blood borne viruses are treatable, but if left untreated can lead to serious illness and death. Hepatitis C can be treated and cured with a short course of tablets, effective treatment for HIV means that those on treatment can have undetectable viral loads and live a normal healthy life span and Hepatitis B can be treated to ensure the person affected can stay healthy.
People with blood borne virus infections often have no symptoms, so there are people living with them who aren’t aware that they are infected. The only way to find out if someone has a blood borne virus is to carry out a blood test.
Members of the public will now be able to order a postal BBV testing kit to be sent to their home.
These kits will also be available to pick up from various services such as pharmacies, Healthpoints and drug and alcohol support agencies.
The test involves carrying out a finger prick, saving the blood onto a testing card and sending off the card to be processed. You will be informed of your result, and if necessary referred to the appropriate service.
NHS Grampian postal BBV testing is a free and confidential
How to order a testing kit:
Email gram.bbvpostaltesting@nhs.scot
or phone Healthline 08085 202030
If you are a service who would like to stock these test kits to give out to clients please email
gram.bbvpostaltesting@nhs.scot
stating the number of kits, and the address to send them to.
For more information on BBVs visit https://www.grampiansexualhealthservices.com/library/document/BBV%20Leaflet%20-%20E-Version%20final.pdf
