Services Database Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV Testing
Service ID
17794
Description
The objectives of the service are to:
- identify patients with previously undiagnosed hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through targeted testing of the local population; and
- refer patients who have tested positive to HBV, HCV and HIV in a community pharmacy setting to specialist services as quickly as possible.
Referrals can be accepted from anywhere, including self referral for testing; however, this service does not offer an alternative to a GP consultation. If a patient has a clinical problem, then they must be referred to their GP.
Patients will be tested by the pharmacist conducting a blood spot test on the patient's finger/thumb. A member of the pharmacy team will then ensure that the blood spot card is posted to the laboratory at the end of the day and the results will be returned to the pharmacy within two weeks by email. The pharmacist will deliver the results of the test to the patient and depending on the results, will then refer as appropriate.
This service was decommissioned on 31st March 2016.
Location of service
City & Hackney LPC
Commissioner
Local Authority (LA)
Method of commissioning
Local Authority contract
Source of funding
Local Authority (LA)
Service type
Blood-borne virus screening
Other organisations involved
Dates
Start date:
End date:
Status
Decommissioned
Training
Pharmacists providing this service must complete the training session organised by London Borough of Hackney Public Health.
Comments
Pharmacists must undergo a super accelerated course of hepatitis B vaccinations (if they are not already vaccinated) at 0, 7 and 21 days with a follow up blood test to ensure adequate antibody levels have been achieved.
