Blood-borne virus (BBV) tests

Hepatitis C is a virus that affects the liver.

It is passed through blood to blood contact or bodily fluids. Some ways the infection can be spread include: 

• Sharing unsterilised needles
• Sharing razors or toothbrushes
• Through unprotected sex
• From a pregnant woman to her unborn baby

Many people with Hep C don't get symptoms for a long time, so they may not know they have it. The only way to know for certain is to get tested. 

There's no vaccine for Hep C, but effective treatment is available. With the latest medications, more than 90% of people with the virus can be cured.

Find out more about Hepatitis C

Hepatitis B is a liver infection. It can be passed from one person to another through blood or some body fluids, including semen and vaginal fluids. 

Many people don't get symptoms, so they might not know they have it. 

There is a safe and effective vaccine for Hep B, and having this is the best way to prevent getting it. 

Using a condom when having any type of sex, and not sharing drug-injecting equipment, razors, toothbrushes and needles also helps to prevent the virus. 

Find out more about Hepatitis B

HIV is a virus that damages the cells in the body’s immune system. There’s currently no cure, but with treatment, most people with HIV can live a long and healthy life.

The virus can be spread by having vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom or by sharing needles with someone who has HIV.

There are things you can do to reduce the risk of HIV infection: 

• take medicine called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if you think you've been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours – it's available from sexual health clinics and A&E
• use condoms before and during any sexual contact between the penis, vagina, mouth or anus – condoms are the most effective protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• use water-based lubricants (such as K-Y jelly) instead of oil-based lubricants (such as Vaseline or massage and baby oil) with condoms – oil-based lubricants can cause condoms to break or tear
• do not share needles, syringes, spoons or swabs, drugs or liquids used to dilute drugs – you can pick up clean equipment and get safer injecting advice at our needle exchange

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) can reduce your chance of getting HIV from sex or injecting drugs. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV. PrEP does not protect you against BBVs such as Hep B and Hep C

It’s important to remember that condoms are still the most effective method of preventing BBVs, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Find out more about HIV