Nearly 2,000 hidden HIV cases have been identified through the NHS A&E blood test program

The NHS blood-testing program has identified almost 2,000 people living with previously undiagnosed HIV since it was introduced in April 2022

The NHS blood-testing program offers HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C tests to adults who require a blood test while attending A&E departments in 88 areas with the highest rates of HIV. Patients are automatically included unless they choose to opt out.

The latest NHS figures show that 1,900 people have been diagnosed with HIV through the program over its first four years. Those who test positive are quickly referred for specialist care, allowing them to begin treatment that can protect their health and significantly reduce the risk of passing the virus to others.

Reaching people who may never have been tested

Research from the UK Health Security Agency has found that 93% of those diagnosed through the NHS blood-testing program had no previous record of an HIV test. This suggests the scheme is successfully reaching people who may not otherwise have sought testing through traditional healthcare services.

Many people living with HIV can remain symptom-free for years, meaning they may be unaware they are carrying the virus until serious health problems develop. Current estimates suggest that around one in 20 people living with HIV in England do not know they have the condition.

Early diagnosis allows patients to begin effective treatment before significant damage to their immune system, helping them live long, healthy lives.

Research shows long-term health and financial benefits

A new economic evaluation published in The Lancet HIV has found the NHS blood-testing program offers excellent value for money while delivering significant public health benefits.

Researchers from the National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit at the University of Bristol estimated that the first 802 HIV diagnoses made during the NHS blood-testing program’s initial phase will prevent around 187 HIV-related deaths and 28 new HIV transmissions over the next 20 years.

With each HIV test costing approximately £6, researchers concluded that the scheme represents a cost-effective investment for the NHS by reducing future healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes through earlier treatment.

Supporting the goal of ending new HIV transmissions

The NHS blood-testing program is part of the Government’s HIV Action Plan 2025–2030, which aims to eliminate new HIV transmissions in England by the end of the decade.

To support this, £156 million has been allocated between April 2026 and March 2029 to continue delivering routine opt-out testing for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C in emergency departments across areas with high and very high HIV prevalence.

The NHS also plans to expand the scheme further, with three additional hospitals set to introduce routine testing by April 2027. Once complete, the program will cover almost every eligible area in England.