HIV testing in primary care

doi:10.1136/bmj.b1085

Published 9 April 2009, doi:10.1136/bmj.b1085
Cite this as: BMJ 2009;338:b1085

Editorials

HIV testing in primary care

UK pilots will assess provider initiated "opt-out" testing strategies

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

The case for early diagnosis of HIV is compelling. Early treatmentof HIV (when CD4+ cells are still >200/µl) has severalbenefits, both for the individual and for public health—itreduces associated morbidity and mortality and greatly reducesthe potential for onward HIV transmission.¹ Self awareness ofHIV seropositivity can be a powerful prevention tool at an individualand community level. Evidence suggests that some people withHIV behave in a less risky manner shortly after they learn theyare HIV positive.² Early diagnosis and treatment is also costeffective, with direct care costs for late presenters (CD4+cells <200/µl) estimated to be 200% higher than forearly presenters.³

Despite medical advances in diagnosing and treating HIV, manypeople still present late with HIV infection.⁴ In 2005, about20 000 residents of the United Kingdom were unaware that theywere infected with HIV; almost half of them were men who . . . [Full text of this article]

Gavin Bryce, strategic lead, HIV prevention and sexual health

¹ Brighton and Hove City Teaching Primary Care Trust, Integrated Public Health Team, Brighton BN1 6AG

Gavin.Bryce@bhcpct.nhs.uk

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