Invitation for tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, and HIV testing 

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by a bacterium (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), which can be treated with antibiotics but can be serious if not treated. TB can affect any part of the body, but most commonly affects the lungs. When TB is in the lungs it can be infectious and passed onto others through airborne droplets when the individual coughs or sneezes. 

TB is curable and treatment is free. 

When someone encounters the TB bacteria, they can develop active TB which will make them ill OR the TB bacteria can go to sleep in the body, and this is known as Latent TB. When the bacteria are latent you would not know it is there, you would not have any symptoms and it cannot be passed onto other people. There is, however, a 1 in 10 chance that the bacteria could wake up and you go on to develop active disease. By identifying latent TB now, we can prevent active TB and therefore prevent further infection.

Prevention is better than cure and therefore checking for latent TB and treating latent TB not only protects you, but those closest to you. 

Hepatitis B and C and HIV are viruses which can live in the body for many years without causing symptoms. Hepatitis attacks the liver and HIV damages the immune system and other organs. Testing for these viruses allows you to start treatment before symptoms occur. 

Testing for infections also allows you to take steps to protect your family from infection (e.g. they can be vaccinated against hepatitis B).

The nurse will take a blood test. You can eat and drink as you normally would before the appointment. If you are pregnant testing will not harm you or your baby.

The tests are done in special clinics at your GP surgery The screening will take place at St Bartholomew & Hollow Way Medical Practice Manzil Way OX4 1XB. We are working with the hospital infection specialists to offer these clinics for a short period.

This service is free and confidential. It will not affect your stay in this country.