NHS Highland in patient notification exercise after positive HIV result
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NHS Highland is contacting a small number of patients who had blood samples processed at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness in early 2021 as part of a patient notification exercise.
It follows a positive HIV result identified during routine processing of a blood sample. The positive result did not relate to the patient from whom the sample was taken, and it has not yet been possible to identify the source, according to the health board.
"A thorough laboratory investigation suggested the possibility that the sample was contaminated from an unknown other sample, and that another routine blood sample processed in the laboratory at a similar timeframe may be from an individual who is HIV positive," NHS Highland said in a statement. "As such, we believe there is a patient with undiagnosed HIV infection to whom we can offer treatment and support should they wish.
Medical director Dr Boyd Peters said: “We are offering an HIV test to patients who had blood samples tested in the laboratory during a similar timeframe via a patient notification exercise.
“Letters have been sent to those individuals included within the exercise to provide them with specific advice and to offer HIV testing. Testing for HIV involves a blood test which is provided free of charge with results available within a couple of days.
“We have a dedicated team of health advisers who will provide practical support, guidance and advice to everyone involved in this process. We sincerely apologise for any stress and anxiety this may cause to individual patients and the wider community.”
It is estimated that there are around 500 people living in Scotland who are unaware they have the infection. NHS Highlands says it encourages anyone who has any concerns about their HIV status to take part in free HIV testing.
Information on HIV testing is available from the Highland Sexual Health website.
The health board added: "People living with HIV often feel completely healthy for the first five years or so of the infection and, unless tested, are unaware that they are infected. Diagnosing HIV at this early stage is important as it allows treatment to be started.
"Effective treatment that is started early enables people living with HIV to live a long, healthy life, and stops onward transmission.
"The Scottish Government aims to eliminate HIV transmission within Scotland by 2030. To play our part in the effort to achieve this goal, we are hoping that this exercise can raise awareness of HIV and encourage testing."
