Blood Borne Virus (BBV) Testing

ScreenSafe UK is proud to be the exclusive UK supplier of a choice of new and innovative Blood Borne Virus rapid testing cassettes including the first point of care device to be CE marked for the detection of Hepatitis C Antibody giving a result in minutes. Also CE marked cassettes for HIV 1/2/O, Hepatitis B surface Antibody and Hepatitis B surface Antigen.

Near Patient Screening for BBV's

  1. New to the UK market, "finger prick" rapid screens negating the need for phlebotomy services and long, often stressful, waiting for results
  2. First in the world to be CE Marked (Hepatitis C Antibody)
  3. Separate cartridge tests for Hepatitis C Antibody, Hepatitis B surface Antibody, Hepatitis B surface Antigen, HIV antibody 1/2/O.
  4. Test for BBVs using our finger prick blood spot cassette and get a screen result in a few minutes.
  5. Faster, easier and more cost effective than screening with a laboratory.
  6. Send donors with a Negative status away with health protection advice.
  7. Refer those with a Non-Negative screen result for further testing, there and then.
  8. A team with years of experience in Blood Borne Virus testing to back up the product.

Benefits

For Treatment Providers and commissioning bodies, this device represents the opportunity to make significant savings whilst hitting screening targets. Not only is a screen with this device cheaper when compared to the current laboratory versions, it saves staff time too. Getting a screen result there and then means no need to arrange a further appointment for the result. A referral for further investigation can be made immediately if the result is non-negative. If negative, the client can be given Health Protection advice and leave with no need to re-attend until future screening is carried out. This also lessens the administrative load in passing results through to frontline staff.

For testing staff, this device should lead to a quicker service, with less missed follow up appointments and quicker referrals for further investigation. Being able to give a screen result in the appointment means not having to look out for results back from the laboratory in time for your client's next visit. It also means Health Protection advice can be appropriately given there and then.

For clients, this device means no anxious wait for a result to come back from the lab. Attend one appointment and get a result there and then with supporting advice from the Health Professional carrying out the test. If negative, following the advice given during the appointment can help to keep it that way. If non-negative, a referral can be made on the result there and then, meaning the pathway to treatment, if needed, is quicker. So, no need for a follow up appointment - unless it is absolutely necessary.

How do they work?

A cartridge device holds a reagent strip that indicates the presence or absence of the marker the test is looking for. Similar in appearance to some instant drug-testing devices, it uses a coloured band system to show negative or non-negative. Using a blood specimen taken from a finger prick sample, the test will give a result within minutes.

Other Considerations

Testing for Blood Borne Viruses can create serious implications for those being tested. There is possibly lifestyle, psychological and social challenges ahead. For this reason testers may need to consider:

  1. Confidentiality and testing environment.
  2. Pre and post test advisory discussions.
  3. Pathways for the referral of non-negative donors.
  4. Supporting literature.
  5. A screening protocol.
  6. Support agency contact details.

Help and Advice

ScreenSafe UK's team are keen to ensure that you are confident in the use of all our testing devices, and tuition/training is all part of the service. To find out more about ScreenSafe UK Blood Borne Virus testing, then please contact our friendly and professional customer service team on 08450 505590 or via email (enquiries@screensafeuk.co.uk). All enquiries are strictly confidential.

TestRite™ BBV Leaflet