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What is blood borne infection (BBI) screening?
BBIs are infections / viruses that some people carry in their blood and can be spread from one person to another. Those infected with a BBV may show little or no symptoms of serious disease, but other infected people may be severely ill.
You can become infected with a virus whether the person who infects you appears to be ill or not. Indeed, they may be unaware they are ill, as some persistent viral infections do not cause symptoms.
The most common BBIs are:
- HIV,
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C.
Why has BBI been identified as a risk?
BBI’s are mainly passed through contact with infected blood and other body fluids.
The doctor will assess risk based on set criteria which includes parental and individual factors.
These factors include but are not exclusive to:
- Parental substance misuse
- Parental high risk activities
- Sexual abuse
- Needle stick injuries
- Displaying symptoms of BBI
- Come from a high risk country
(South & South East Asia, South Europe, Central & South America, Caribbean, Eastern Europe)
BBIs can be passed from an infected mother to her baby.
A person is at increased risk if they live in a household with an infected person.
How do you test for BBIs?
The only way to know if a person has a BBV is to get a blood test. A blood test will identify if any infection or virus is present, and what type of treatment or symptom management a patient may need.
Depending on age and time-frame between potential exposure, repeat testing may be required, even if the first result is negative.
Do the tests look for any other illnesses?
The only way to know if a person has a BBV is to get a blood test. A blood test will identify if any infection or virus is present, and what type of treatment or symptom management a patient may need.
Depending on age and time-frame between potential exposure, repeat testing may be required, even if the first result is negative.
Do the tests look for any other illnesses?
Bloods taken for BBI testing also look for syphilis. Syphilis is a bacterial infection which can have severe and disabling effects.
Depending on other identified risk factors, the Immunology Team may also wish to test for Tuberculosis (TB). TB is a bacterial infection spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person.
In the last 20 years, TB cases have gradually increased, particularly among ethnic minority communities who are originally from countries where TB is more common. The Immunology Team will fully explain what tests they are undertaking and why.
Why test?
It is important to get a test, as BBIs can cause serious illness if left untreated and can sometimes be fatal.
Research has shown that the earlier a diagnosis is made, the more effective treatment can be.
Advances in medicine mean there is now effective treatment for BBIs and, if recognised early enough, some can be cured.
Knowing about an infection means more can be done to protect individual health and the health of others.
What will happen after a test?
The results of a test are confidential and will be shared with the child’s GP and person with parental responsibility (parents, social worker) so that they can effectively safeguard care planning.
If any results are positive, you will be called back for further assessment and treatment by the Immunology Team.
The Immunology Team will discuss any potential risks of transmission and discuss / arrange testing for anyone else felt to be at risk.
I have been caring for a young person who has been referred
If you have been caring for a young person and were not aware of their associated risk of BBI, there is no need to panic. The likelihood of transmission is low providing you have been following local authority health and safety guidance.
We would advise you wait until the child / young person’s results are available and discuss your options with the Immunology Team.
Adoption and Foster carers
Alder Hey Adoption and Fostering Team recommends that all Foster Carers should be immunised against Hepatitis B.
Keeping yourself and others protected
Please remember the routes of transmission are: Blood getting in to someone else’s blood, Mum to baby and unprotected sex. Household activities should continue in the same way.
- Make sure you thoroughly wash and dry your hands after going the toilet / changing nappies
- If someone in the house has Hepatitis B you should not share toothbrushes or razors, and household members should be vaccinated against Hepatitis B.
This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.
This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.
Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
PIAG: 176