HIV Testing in the Emergency Department (WM)

Information about the HIV test

We recommend that everyone who attends the Emergency Department (ED) is screened for HIV. You can ask any questions you may have and you do not have to have the test. The test looks for the presence of antibodies (proteins) in the blood that may indicate whether or not you are infected with HIV.

These are screening tests, the result may be negative which means you do not have HIV or reactive which means you require further tests to confirm if you have the virus. Taking the test is confidential. The test and the result will appear on your hospital record.

If you feel you may have been at risk of acquiring HIV recently, you should have the
test today. However because the tests can take some time to be come positive you
should retest in the future. The time between the risk and the repeat test is 4-6
weeks for HIV. This can be arranged via Twickenham House, see contact details below.

Getting your test results

It is essential that you verify with your clinician in the ED that the telephone/mobile number on your ED patient card is correct. Results will be available two weeks after testing.

If your test is reactive - or if we need to speak to you for any other reason such as technical problems- you will be contacted by a member of our Health Advisor Team at Twickenham House.

WE WILL NOT ROUTINELY CONTACT YOU IF YOUR RESULT IS NEGATIVE

You can confirm a negative result by ringing: 020 8321 5675 / 020 8321 6831

Please do NOT ring this number for any other reason than confirming your HIV test result or discussing the HIV test.

Please be aware West Middlesex University Hospital DO NOT keep track / recall failed tests.

Twickenham House contact details

Appointments available to book throughout the week including evenings.

T: 020 8321 5718

Lines are open:

  • Mon: 9.30am - 7.00pm
  • Tue: 9.00am - 4.00pm
  • Wed: 12.00pm - 7.00pm
  • Thu: 9.30am - 4.00pm
  • Fri: 9.30am - 1.00pm
  • Sat: closed
  • Sun: closed

Testing for HIV in the Emergency Department

We recommend that everyone attending this Emergency Department is screened for
HIV. If you are having a blood sample taken we will test it for HIV unless you tell us you do not want a test.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that affects the immune system and
can if untreated cause AIDS. HIV is now a very manageable condition with medication. Treatment is very successful if the infection is identified at an early stage.

All of us may be at risk of HIV and no one can assume their status without having a
test. We recommend everyone take this opportunity to have a test.

Please keep this leaflet for your reference.

Contributors
Liz Alden George Vasilopoulos