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Guidance

Bloodborne virus testing in prisons and other places of detention

Recommended approach to testing for bloodborne viruses (BBVs) among people in prisons and other places of detention (PPDs) in England.

Updates to this page

From:
UK Health Security Agency
Published:
1 May 2014
Last updated:
15 September 2026
Show all updates

  1. One document replaces 6 documents published in 2014 to coincide with the launch of the BBV opt-out testing programme. Increase in testing options.

  2. Rebranded page to UKHSA. No change to content.

  3. The Blood-borne virus testing in prisons opt out policy: Q and A for healthcare staff has been updated.

  4. First published.

Documents

Public health guidance for bloodborne virus testing in prisons and other places of detention

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Public health guidance for bloodborne virus testing in prisons and other places of detention

Ref: GOV-21212

PDF, 327 KB, 14 pages

Annexe 1. BBV testing options

Ref: GOV-21212

PDF, 116 KB, 3 pages

Annexe 1. BBV testing options – web page

HTML

Annexe 2. Hepatitis B testing algorithm

Ref: GOV-21212

PDF, 277 KB, 1 page

Annexe 2: Text version of hepatitis B testing algorithm

HTML

Annexe 3: Hepatitis C testing algorithm

Ref: GOV-21212

PDF, 185 KB, 1 page

Annexe 3: Text version of hepatitis C testing algorithm

HTML

Annexe 4: HIV testing algorithm

Ref: GOV-21212

PDF, 151 KB, 1 page

Annexe 4: Text version of HIV testing algorithm

HTML

Details

This guidance is for:

  • healthcare teams in secure settings
  • NHS commissioners
  • governors and directors (for information)
  • health protection teams (HPTs) (for information)

The guidance outlines the recommended process for testing for bloodborne viruses (BBVs). In this guidance BBVs refers to hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The prisons and other places of detention (PPDs) in England covered by this guidance are:

  • prisons and young offender institutions (YOIs) with individuals aged 18 and above
  • immigration removal centres (IRCs)

This guidance does not cover:

  • probation settings including approved premises (APs)
  • the children and young people secure estate (CYPSE)
  • mass accommodation sites for people seeking asylum

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