British HIV Association (BHIVA), British Infection Association (BIA) and British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) joint working group: rapid guidance on assumed consent for opt-out blood-borne virus testing in Emergency Departments 2023

In 2022, BHIVA established a working group to examine the potential for a rapid guidance statement which would consider the use of assumed consent for opt-out HIV and blood-borne virus (BBV) testing in Emergency Departments (EDs). Projects in EDs taking this approach over the past few years have been highly successful in identifying people with undiagnosed BBV infections and those with known infections who are no longer accessing care. This model of testing has also been standard of care in Antenatal Clinics since 2000.

This interim guidance is intended to assist EDs, and other facilities managing people who present for urgent care, in developing processes for routine opt-out testing for BBVs including HIV. Given the successful experience of several EDs in using an assumed consent model for opt-out BBV testing, we propose a set of best practice recommendations for sites setting up similar testing processes. The working group includes ED consultants. A number of resources are referenced to assist with processes in departments that plan to introduce opt-out testing.

BHIVA, BIA and BASHH rapid guidance on assumed consent for opt-out blood-borne virus testing in Emergency Departments - consultation version

Declaration of interests

Consultation now closed.