The Importance of Delivering BBV Test Results in a Controlled Environment

What Is Blood Borne Virus Screen and How Do You Talk About the Results?

When it comes to blood-borne viruses (BBVs) like HIV, hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV), testing is only half the battle. Delivering the results in a supportive, controlled environment is critical, especially when dealing with potentially life-changing news. Different organisations handle this in various ways, depending on the population they serve and their capability to provide immediate care.

Rapid Testing: Pros and Cons

Rapid testing offers a convenient way to screen for blood-borne viruses, with tests such as HIV screening test kits or HCV screening test kits, allowing individuals to get results almost instantly. This is particularly useful in settings like homeless shelters, where individuals may be transient and difficult to contact later. By delivering the results on the spot, healthcare providers can offer guidance, referrals, and counselling right away. As Brandon Wickins of AttoSure puts it, “These people... may disappear. This is a great way to do testing.”

However, rapid HIV screening or HCV testing also comes with challenges. A positive result means delivering potentially devastating news in a matter of minutes. The organisation conducting the test must be prepared to offer counselling and emotional support immediately. If they are not equipped for this, it may be better to use a different method, such as lab-based tests, to ensure the result is delivered in a more controlled and supportive environment.

The Role of Dry Blood Spot Testing (DBST)

For organisations not prepared to deliver bad news on the spot, dry blood spot testing (DBST) can be a more suitable option. This method allows samples to be sent to a lab for initial screening, with results delivered via email back to the organisation a number of days later. This gives the organisation time to plan, offering the individual support and counselling in a way that minimises emotional distress.

Brandon also notes, “DBST allows the kit to be sent away, and if you have a positive result, the organisation has the opportunity to call the individual to the service and is prepared to then deliver what’s potentially bad news.” This method is often used in more sensitive cases where individuals may require additional support structures.

Controlled Environments: Why They Matter

For many individuals, receiving bad news about a blood-borne virus, such as from an HCV rapid test or HBsAg lab test, can be life-changing. A controlled environment—whether at a sexual health clinic, drug treatment facility, or prison healthcare setting—provides the necessary support structure. Organisations can prepare for a more compassionate delivery of the news, ensuring the individual has access to mental health services, ongoing medical support, and advice on next steps.

Sexual health clinics, for example, may opt to start with rapid screening tests but follow up with lab-based blood-borne virus tests if there’s a need for confirmation. This approach offers a balance between quick results and controlled news delivery, especially when dealing with conditions like HIV or hepatitis C.

Balancing Speed and Sensitivity

While rapid testing is essential for quick screening, particularly in transient populations, the ability to deliver results in a controlled, professional environment can make all the difference. Whether using a blood-borne virus screen test or a quicker method, ie. a HBsAg rapid test or HCV rapid test, organisations need to evaluate their capacity to provide immediate emotional support and counselling before deciding which testing method to use. By doing so, they ensure that they’re not only diagnosing these viruses but are also delivering care in a way that respects the individual’s emotional and mental well-being.

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