'Going Viral' T-shirt, part of the 'Going Viral' campaign led by Barts Health NHS Trust which tested emergency patients for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in 9 UK hospitals, 13 - 20 October, 2014

Dr Chloe Orkin developed the week-long ‘Going Viral’ campaign between 13 to 20 October 2014. In 9 participating hospitals, adults in Accident and Emergency (A&E) were offered a blood test for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, regardless of the reason for their visit. People were asked for their consent before proceeding. 2118 people (27% of those asked) had their blood tested for the three conditions. 3.4% of tests were positive, with 32 combined new diagnoses of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, which would have gone undetected. Anyone with a positive test was referred to care clinics.

The project tested whether there was a benefit to routinely test for blood borne viruses (BBVs). These three conditions are often without symptoms until much further developed, meaning a delay in diagnosis and treatment. This leads to complications for the individual and potential further transmission.

The emergency departments taken part were all in areas with high incidences of blood borne viruses. The departments also looked after a wider population that GPs surgeries, including people disproportionately affected by hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

Going Viral followed a successful similar, smaller campaign in 2013 called Test Me East, offering HIV testing across Barts Health NHS Trust. Chloe’s work helped changed testing practice in the United Kingdom, with many hospitals implementing tests for hepatitis B and C, HIV, regardless as to the reason for their visit. People can choose to opt-out. Chloe continues her research is now Lead for HIV research at Barts Health NHS Trust, directs the SHARE Collaborative and is Professor of Infection and Inequities at Queen Mary, University of London.