Blood-borne viruses (BBVs) are viruses that some people carry in their blood and can be spread from one person to another. Those infected with a BBV may show little or no symptoms of serious disease, but other infected people may be severely ill.
Getting tested
The University of Aberdeen is supporting NHS Grampian's new BBV Testing Initiative. You can pick-up a free home testing kit from various places on campus. Collect your kit between 10am-4pm from the following locations:
- Infohub
- Student Advice & Support Office
- Sir Duncan Rice Library Reception
- Suttie Centre Reception
- Medical Library Reception
You don't need to provide any personal details to collect a kit, and all information is confidential between you and NHS Grampian.
Who is at risk of BBVs?
HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are the most common blood-borne viruses.
You are at risk of HIV if you:
- Are a man having sex with a man without HIV PrEP or condoms with new or casual partners
- Inject drugs or have unprotected sex (sex without condoms or HIV PrEP) with people who inject drugs
You are at risk of Hepatitis B if you:
- Have unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
- Inject drugs using shared needles
- Have had a tattoo or piercing with unsterilised equipment
You are at risk of Hepatitis C if you:
- Inject drugs using shared needles
- Share razors or toothbrushes
- Have unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
Remember, you may not have any symptoms so it's important to get tested if you think you are at risk.
How to do the test and get your results
The BBV test involves pricking your finger and putting a drop of blood onto a testing card. You then put this into the freepost envelope provided and pop it in the post.
The NHS will be in touch with your results within 2-3 weeks, and if necessary, they will refer you to an appropriate service.
More information about BBVs and the support available is available here.