AEGiS-Miami Herald: Few Seek New Test to Identify AIDS

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1985. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Few Seek New Test to Identify AIDS

Miami Herald - Thursday, July 11, 1985
Paul Saltzman, Herald Staff Writer

Few people are seeking a state test that may identify possible victims of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), state officials said Wednesday. But the state's offering the test may be helping to keep suspected AIDS victims from donating blood to get the test, South Florida blood bank officials said. Undetected cases in the blood supply could have spread the disease. About one month into the $2 million year-long program, 299 Floridians have been tested, 51 in Broward County. Testing began just last week in Dade County, and Palm Beach County doesn't plan to start until Monday. State officials had projected as many as 90,000 people would seek the $20 HTLV-III screen for exposure to the AIDS virus in the program's first three months. Broward health officials, more conservative in their estimates, had expected about 75 people a month. The test, for which clinical trials were minimal, shows the presence of antibodies created to fight the HTLV-III virus believed to cause AIDS, a fatal illness that strips the body of its ability to fight disease. But early results showed as many as half the positive tests were wrong, though Florida officials believe that's improving. Also, some people are afraid they will be exposed as having AIDS, said Karen Hastings, who coordinates the statewide testing program for the state Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. "But it really is a confidential test," Hastings said. The test is offered through 16 county health departments. Despite the low turnout, South Florida blood bank spokesmen say the testing may be attracting some suspected AIDS victims away from the blood banks.

"The safety of the blood supply has been assured by the testing," said Dr. Bruce Lenes, medical director for South Florida Blood Service.
8507
MH850704

Copyright © 1985 - Miami Herald. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Miami Herald, Permissions, One Herald Plaza, Miami, FL 33132-1693 TEL: (305) 376-3719. http://www.herald.com.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1985. 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, 1985. 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. .