What happens if patients decline a test now? Can they have one later?
Yes, at any time. If they do not have a test now they can arrange a blood test via their GP at any future date mentioning that they have received a letter. However, we would urge all patients receiving a letter to be tested as a precaution now. Advice for pregnant women Should pregnant women be concerned? All pregnant women are routinely offered a HIV test and a hepatitis B test as part of the antenatal screening programme – this has been UK policy since 2000. Pregnant women need to be assured that the risk of acquiring any of the viruses in this healthcare setting is very low. Advice for women who are breast feeding Should women who have been patients of the healthcare worker continue to breast feed? As the risk of acquiring any of these viruses is very low we strongly recommend that all women continue to breastfeed. Should anyone be found to carry any of the viruses expert advice should be sought before changing from breastfeeding to formula milk. Advice on sexual relationships Shoul
