Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
BBC News - August 10, 2007
The target aimed to halve the number of people whose HIV infection is missed when they visit a sexual health clinic for another reason.
The National Aids Trust said that making an HIV test automatic could solve the problem.
The Department of Health said it was reviewing policy on testing.
Many people who have contracted HIV remain unaware of this, as it may be some time before symptoms begin to appear - it is estimated that a third of HIV-positive men and women in the UK don't know they have the virus.
However, during this period, they may be able to pass the virus on to others through unprotected sex or sharing drug needles.
The government's National Strategy for Sexual Health pledged, by the end of this year, to cut by 50% the proportion of people infected with HIV who remain unaware of their infection even after a visit to a sexual health clinic for another reason.
Experts can work this out because the Health Protection Agency tests random, anonymous blood samples, even where the patient has refused an HIV test, providing a figure for the underlying rate of infection among people visiting clinics.
Opting in
In 2001, 55% of gay men with undiagnosed HIV visited a sexual health clinic, and left without a diagnosis.
In the latest figures taken in 2005, this had fallen to 43%, well short of the target of 27.5%.
The target is likely to be met among heterosexual patients, with the figure falling from 48% in 2001 to 27% by the end of 2005.
At the moment while people are offered and encouraged to take an HIV test, unless they actively "opt in", the test won't take place.
The National Aids Trust now wants an "opt-out" system for HIV testing, with the presumption that the test will go ahead unless the patient actively refuses.
Deborah Jack, Chief Executive, said: "It is vital that people living with HIV are diagnosed as early as possible, both for the sake of their own health and to prevent the virus being passed on.
"It is estimated that there are 20,000 people with HIV in the UK who have not yet been diagnosed.
"Making an HIV test a routine part of a sexual health check-up could really help reduce those numbers, particularly among gay men."
Policy review
Nick Partridge, Chief Executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust supported the call: "Routine HIV testing in sexual health clinics is both appropriate, cost effective, and long overdue.
A spokesman for the Department of Health said that there had been "encouraging progress" among heterosexual men and women visiting clinics.
He said: "The Department is currently working with the Expert Advisory Group on Aids and others including the Terrence Higgins Trust, to review our policy on HIV testing in sexual health clinics.
He added that it was important that, even if an opt-out system was introduced, that proper consent was obtained from patients.
070810
BB070808
Copyright © 2007 - BBC. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the BBC.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2007. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2007. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.
.