Sexual Health . Symptoms guide

Confidential BBV Screen: HIV, Hepatitis B and C

Quick answer

A blood-borne virus (BBV) screen looks for three viruses 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), and hepatitis C antibodies (which detect current or past exposure). 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.

BBV Screen
£169
Confidential blood-borne virus screening covering HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Required by most UK hair transplant clinics and suitable for anyone want...
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Pre-Transplant + BBV Screen
£309
Pre-transplant panel plus blood-borne virus screening, often requested by UK and overseas hair transplant clinics before surgery.
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Need a marker not in these panels? Build a custom panel and a GMC-registered clinician will design one for you.

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.

Ferritin Ferritin is the main protein that stores iron inside cells, and the blood ferritin level is the most useful single marker of ho... Vitamin D (25-OH Vitamin D) a.k.a. 25-hydroxyvitamin D Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin made in skin from sunlight and obtained in smaller amounts from food, with status measured b... Vitamin B12 (B12) a.k.a. Cobalamin Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential nutrient for red blood cell formation, neurological function and DNA synthesis, and a s... Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) a.k.a. Thyrotropin TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is a pituitary hormone that signals the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormone, and it... C-Reactive Protein (CRP) CRP is a protein made by the liver that rises within hours of an inflammatory stimulus. It is the most widely used general mark... Syphilis Antibodies a.k.a. Treponema pallidum antibodies Syphilis is a sexually-transmitted bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. A blood test for treponemal antibodies is ... Full Blood Count (FBC) a.k.a. Complete Blood Count A full blood count (FBC) measures the cells in circulating blood: red cells and haemoglobin (oxygen carrying), white cells with... HIV (4th generation antigen + antibody) (HIV) a.k.a. HIV combo test The HIV 4th generation test detects both the p24 antigen (a viral protein measurable about 2 weeks after exposure) and HIV-1/2 ...

Testing advice

Same-day appointment. Standard result turnaround is 2 working days. Urgent 2-hour option is available on request. 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, and the hepatitis C test detects antibodies indicating current or past exposure.

Book a same-day appointment 020 3239 3378

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. 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

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.