Blood Borne Virus leaflet (accordion style)

What to Expect

Testing
First things first: Your nurse will discuss with you any worries or concerns you have about your BBV (Blood Borne Virus) test. If you then decide you do want the test, here is what will happen:

• Your nurse or key worker will ask you to wash your hands with warm soapy water. This is to allow maximum flow to your fingers.
• Whilst sitting comfortably on a chair your nurse will puncture your finger with a lancet.

• Once the skin has been punctured your nurse will wait for a large drop of blood to appear then allow this droplet to drop onto your own personalised labelling blotter card. Your nurse may need to encourage the blood by gently massaging your finger.
• Your nurse is aiming to fill the 5 circles on the labelling blotter card. Once this has been done your test is over. (Picture is to show how the blood is placed on the card)

Your nurse will then send your test off to the lab to be tested.

Results should be available in two weeks and will be sent back to your nurse, who will then inform you of these results at your next appointment.

If a positive result is returned, this does not necessarily mean you have one of the viruses but that you have come into contact at some point. If this is the case your nurse will refer you to your GP for further testing.

If you feel you have exposed yourself to a blood borne virus recently and you would like re-tested in the future your nurse will be more than happy to do this.

Galavale Lodge
Tweed Road
Galashiels
TD1 1PF
Telephone 01896 664430
Fax 01896 664431