SEARCH 3X

SEARCH 3X is a clinical service that will check patients for hepatitis B and C in the Emergency Department. For a trial period, will offer routine hepatitis testing for patients as long as they are already having a blood test.

This will be trialled in a number of hospital locations and we will determine the usefulness of this strategy over time.

Many people in the community can be carrying Hepatitis B or C infection without even knowing it and can remain symptom-free for years. Finding out early if you have Hepatitis is important in preventing the complications of liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. The only way to find out if you have Hepatitis is to get tested! There are treatments currently to cure Hepatitis C and to control Hepatitis B. These medications are generally safe and have minimal side effects. Testing of family members and vaccinating for Hepatitis B can also further reduce the spread.

Treating and preventing the spread of Hepatitis B and C is in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) Goals of reducing Hepatitis by 95% by the year 2030!

Testing is free and we use blood that is already being collected while you are in the Emergency Department, so no extra blood samples are required.

You don’t have to be tested if you don’t want to. If you choose not to be tested, please tell the staff in the Emergency Department. It won’t affect the care you receive.

If your test result is positive for hepatitis B or hepatitis C, our friendly liver nurse will call you to give you all the information and answer any questions. You may need some further tests, treatment and care.