Sexual Health . Symptoms guide
Confidential BBV Screen: HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis
Quick answer
A blood-borne virus (BBV) screen checks for four infections in one blood sample: HIV (using a 4th-generation antigen + antibody combination assay), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg, which detects active hepatitis B carrier status), hepatitis C antibodies (which detect current or past exposure), and syphilis antibodies (syphilis is a bacterial infection rather than a virus, but is screened alongside them). Reasons to test include partner change, post-exposure review, pre-surgical screening (especially before hair transplant), or simply a peace-of-mind baseline.
This patient information is being clinically reviewed by our team. The factual content draws on UK guidance (NHS, NICE, British Association of Dermatologists, and other specialist society guidance where cited).
Why this test is performed
- Recent unprotected sexual exposure. Window periods apply and vary by virus; see FAQs.
- Pre-procedure screening. Standard before hair transplant and many surgical procedures.
- Tattoo, piercing or needlestick history. Especially when received abroad.
Who this screen is for
- Sexual partner change
- Possible exposure incident
- Pre-surgery requirement
- Routine peace of mind
Recommended tests
Same-day appointments at our Harley Street clinic, results clinician-reviewed.
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Markers your clinician will commonly look at
These are the individual blood markers in the recommended panels above. Click any to read what it measures, its UK reference range, and what high or low values mean.
Testing advice
Same-day appointment. Results are released as each marker is reviewed by a GMC-registered doctor, and we confirm the timeframe at booking. The screen is fully confidential. The HIV test uses a 4th-generation antigen + antibody combination assay (the current UK BASHH standard), the hepatitis B test detects surface antigen (HBsAg) indicating active carrier status, the hepatitis C test detects antibodies indicating current or past exposure, and the syphilis test detects treponemal antibodies indicating current or past infection.
Common questions
How soon after exposure can I test?
Window periods vary significantly by virus. A 4th-generation HIV test is highly accurate from 4 weeks post-exposure and conclusive at 45 days (approximately 6.5 weeks) under current BASHH guidance for laboratory venous samples. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C require a full 12 weeks (3 months) from exposure for a definitive lab result, per BASHH and NICE CKS. Syphilis antibodies can be negative in the first few weeks after exposure, so an early negative result should be repeated at 12 weeks. Important: if your exposure occurred less than 72 hours ago, please visit an NHS sexual health clinic or local A&E immediately to access emergency post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). If you have recently taken PEP, you must wait 12 weeks after completing the medication course before taking a definitive HIV test.
Is the result confidential?
Yes. Results go only to you. We do not share with your GP or insurer without your written consent.
Sources and further reading
- NHS: HIV testing
- British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH): UK national guidelines
- NICE CKS: HIV infection and AIDS
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. A GMC-registered clinician will review your results and tailor any recommendations to you personally.
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