Seven tested for viruses after 'vampire facials'

The salon said they expected a low number to be involved and have stopped the treatment

Seven people who had so-called "vampire facials" treatments at a Wolverhampton beauty salon underwent blood tests after concerns were raised by health officials.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) appealed to customers last month after it identified that there had been inadequate cleaning of equipment used for the treatment at Olivia's Aesthetics Wolverhampton (OAW).

A helpline was set up with clients being tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Six results were negative with one result pending, the agency said.

The salon said on Thursday they were relieved "everything so far is positive", adding that they had stopped the treatment over a year ago.

The platelet-rich plasma (PRP) procedure involves taking blood from the client before PRP is then injected or penetrated into the person's face, scalp or lower body area.

The UKHSA West Midlands Health Protection Team said at the time the risk of contracting a blood-borne virus was low, but testing was recommended as a precaution.

OAW provided the treatment when it was based in Lloyd Hill, Stourbridge Road, Wolverhampton, but the clinic has since moved.

The agency said it received a small number of calls during the three weeks the helpline was active and some callers had not had the PRP treatment and were advised that no further action was necessary.

"In total, the Health Protection Team found seven additional clients who had been given PRP treatments, and recommended blood tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

'Glad no-one contracted anything'

"We are pleased to say that the 6 results we have received so far are negative for these blood-borne viruses. We are awaiting one further result."

A spokesperson for the salon told BBC News: "I'm just glad no-one has got anything, I knew there would be a low number of people involved as a small number of people had the treatment.

"The feedback I've had is that no-one has contracted anything.

"I hope this is the end of it.

"I stopped the treatment over a year ago, straight away when I knew there was a problem, and don't do it any more.

"I'm just pleased everything so far is positive."