Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs) are a serious public health concern. It is crucial that those in high-risk groups such as injecting drug users are tested regularly so that appropriate treatment decisions can be made.
When taking whole blood samples, poor venous access and a lack of trained staff can lead to poor screening uptake. Our dried blood spot testing service gives a simple, quick, cost effective method for regular screening whilst increasing uptake in groups where whole blood samples are less popular.1
We provide a BBV service to test for Hepatitis B (Surface Antigen and Core Antibody), Hepatitis C (Antibody and Qualitive PCR) and HIV (Antigen/Antibody), using dried blood spot samples. The BBV sample collection kit is manufactured and distributed by Abbott Toxicology Ltd. BBV analysis is provided by an independent ISO 15189 accredited Health Institution laboratory.
Features
- No venous access required
- Quick and easy sample collection that can be carried out by any trained healthcare professional
- Only test for the blood borne viruses you need
- Screen for active hepatitis C virus using PCR without an initial antibody screen
- Free management information
References
1 Hickman, M., McDonald, T., Judd, A., Nicholes, T., Hope, V. et al., 'Increasing the uptake of hepatitis C virus testing among injecting drug user in specialist drug treatment and prison settings by using dried blood spots for diagnostic testing: a cluster randomized controlled trial'. Journal of Viral Hepatitis (2008) 15; 250-598