A&E BBV Screening Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Accident and Emergency Screening for Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs) in Adults presenting for care in the A&E Department at St Mary's Hospital
IRAS ID
170153
Contact name
Mark Thursz
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Blood borne viruses (BBV) such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are all associated with significant morbidity and have the potential to reduce life expectancy if not treated at an early stage. All three BBVs are asymptomatic at early stages but treatments are available for all three conditions. It is estimated that up to 60% of infected individuals are currently undiagnosed. To date, there are no national screening committee recommendations to support universal screening in Accident and Emergency for BBV and so we seek ethical approval to provide data on this potential screening strategy. We have experience in BBV screening and cost effective analysis within the antenatal setting. As a strategy for increasing case finding of undiagnosed patients with BBV we propose to offer screening to all adult patients seeking medical assistance within the Accident and Emergency department at St Mary's Hospital in London as a proof of concept. We aim to demonstrate local prevalence rates of these three viruses within this population but more importantly demonstrate ability to directly link these patients into the appropriate care pathways at an earlier stage of disease. For patients diagnosed with a BBV we will monitor response to any treatment provided to evaluate outcomes in order to provide cost effectiveness evaluations of the screening programme. The purpose of this study is to improve case identification of BBVs with the aim of increasing access to care at an earlier stage of disease. No investigational products, tests or devices will be used.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1045
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion