References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
A comprehensive STI blood screen for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C covers four important infections that all spread through blood and sexual contact. They share the convenience of being detectable from a single blood sample, often a finger-prick or small venous draw. This panel is widely used in NHS sexual health clinics and home testing services.
Here’s what’s included.
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What’s Tested
| Infection | What’s Detected | Window Period |
|---|---|---|
| HIV | 4th-gen antibody/antigen | Reliable from 4 weeks |
| Syphilis | Treponemal antibodies | Reliable from 3-12 weeks |
| Hepatitis B | HBsAg (current infection) | Reliable from 6 weeks |
| Hepatitis C | Anti-HCV antibody | Reliable from 6 weeks to 3 months |
Why Test for All Four Together?
- All four are blood-borne and can be silent for years
- All can be detected from a single blood sample
- Catching one often prompts checking for others
- Convenient and efficient screening
Who Should Get the Panel?
- Everyone who is sexually active should test at least annually
- People with new or multiple partners
- Men who have sex with men (every 3 months if at higher risk)
- People who inject drugs
- Anyone with possible exposure to bloodborne infections
How the Test Is Done
- Blood sample collected (finger-prick or venous)
- Sent to lab for processing
- All four tests run from the same sample
- Results delivered together
- Any reactive results confirmed before treatment
Where to Get Tested
- NHS sexual health clinics — free
- Free postal home test kits in many areas
- GP surgery
- Private services for paid testing
What Happens After Positive Results
- Confirmation testing
- Linkage to specialist care
- Treatment as appropriate
- Partner notification
- Vaccination of contacts where relevant (hepatitis B)
Treatment Summary
- HIV — lifelong antiretroviral therapy
- Syphilis — penicillin injection (curable)
- Hepatitis B — antiviral suppression
- Hepatitis C — direct-acting antivirals (curable in over 95%)
Read more: HIV and syphilis combined test | Hepatitis B and C tests | Blood test accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all four be done with one finger prick?
Yes — labs can run all four tests from a single small blood sample.
How long do results take?
Usually a few days after the lab receives your sample.
Is the panel free?
Yes through NHS services in many areas.
Related reading
- Blood Test for Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- Hepatitis B Core Antibody Test Explained
- Hepatitis B Test Kits: What to Know
- Hepatitis C Testing: A Complete Guide
- Lab Test for Syphilis and Herpes
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
