Leeds' hospitals project discovers 14 cases of HIV in routine tests on people in A&E
A PROJECT in Leeds where people having blood tests in A&E were routinely screened for major illnesses has seen staggering results with 14 finding out they have HIV.
Some 45,000 blood tests were carried out over the space of a year at two of the city's biggest hospitals, St James's and Leeds General Infirmary (LGI).
It applied to those receiving routine blood tests, and they could opt out, but is now saving lives with 80 new cases of hepatitis B discovered and 47 cases of active hepatitis C.
Akhona Ndudane, from Leeds, was diagnosed with HIV in 2016. The programme, she said, could be a game-changer in early diagnosis and support.
“I live with HIV and I want people to know the facts about HIV,” she said.
“If you have the correct treatment and you take it in the correct way, your viral load becomes very low and the virus becomes undetectable and untransmissible.”
Within a month of starting treatment, Ms Ndudane’s viral load was undetectable.
“I’m healthy just like anyone else," she said.
“I’m living a full life, like other people. I hope if people see someone like me, they will have hope, and it will encourage them to get tested so they know their status and they can be treated.”
Dr Emma Page, a consultant in virology at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said the tests would save lives.
“Anyone can get a blood borne virus and you may feel perfectly well for many years – you would not know unless you have a test," she said.
“There is now life-saving treatment that people can take to control or cure the infection. It really is better to know your status.”
The national scheme is now being rolled out in hospitals across the country, and is applicable to over-16s.