blood

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling in the abdominal aorta, which is the main artery that supplies blood to your body. As the AAA grows, the wall of the aorta stretches and becomes weaker, which can eventually lead to a significant risk of a ruptured AAA. This is often fatal. The aim of the AAA screening programme is to reduce AAA-related mortality by providing a systematic, population-based screening programme.

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when diabetes damages the small blood vessels in the part of the eye called the retina. These blood vessels can become blocked or leaky, affecting how the retina works. Sometimes abnormal new blood vessels grow, which are weak and can bleed easily.

In the early stages, these changes will not normally affect your sight. However, if left untreated, the retinopathy may get worse and your vision may be affected.

This leaflet is for pregnant women who have been diagnosed with syphilis. It provides information on the care pathway for these women, including referral to sexual health (GUM) clinics, treatment and long-term protection for the baby.

Printing instructions are provided in a PDF below.

This factsheet provides information in the form of FAQs in relation to hepatitis C: the condition, risks, testing, treatment and management.

This factsheet provides information in the form of FAQs in relation to hepatitis B: the condition, prevalence, risks, testing, management, vaccination and treatment.

This leaflet is for pregnant women who have been diagnosed with hepatitis B. It provides information on the care pathway for these women, including referral to a liver specialist, the vaccination course for the newborn child, and long-term protection from the infection. It has been updated to include new advice on immunisation of babies from 1 August 2017.

PDFs of the leaflet are also available in 15 languages.

Printing instructions are provided in a PDF below.

This leaflet gives information on the blood tests that are normally offered and recommended at the first antenatal visit. These tests look for possible health problems that could affect the mother’s health and the health of the baby. Only one sample of blood is needed to do all six tests. The tests are done by consent and this leaflet should help pregnant women make their decision.