Applicable in: United Kingdom

There are no routine surveys measuring blood-borne virus prevalence in UK prisons. However, the most recent data are from a survey conducted by the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health (SCIEH) which provided anti-HCV prevalence in all male inmates aged 21 years and above residing in a Scottish prison on one day in April 1999 (n=84 for those reporting ever injecting) (Champion et al. 2003).

Blood-borne virus testing is provided within the healthcare departments of prisons.

Related glossary entries
Champion, J., Goldberg, D.,Taylor, A. et al. (2003). The incidence of HCV infection and associated risk factors among Scottish prisoners: a cohort study. International Symposium on Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease. Sydney.

Relevant websites
HM Prison Service for England and Wales
Northern Ireland Prison Service
Scottish Prison Service