Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
BBC News - September 8, 2008
The checks are already available free of charge on request from the hospital and GPs surgeries.
But screening will be done anonymously and islanders who have blood tests can opt out of it if they choose.
There has been concern from the island Aids charity ACET about the lack of reliable statistics for HIV in the island.
Pilot scheme
According to the charity, there are 12 new cases of HIV a year in Jersey.
Dr Ivan Muscat, a consultant microbiologist with the island's health service, said the purpose for the screening was twofold.
"We'll be looking at what the frequency of undiagnosed infection is locally, and therefore the implication of being tested if people feel they may be at risk."
He said screening would also "emphasise the need to take precautions to prevent the acquisition and transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C".
The screening scheme will be piloted from December with blood tests from outpatients.
Once health practitioners are happy the scheme is working properly, they will extend it, he added.
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