Letter - Response to 'HIV: low prevalence is no excuse for not testing'

Abstract:

Our practice, the Whitehouse Centre in Huddersfield, serves asylum seekers, drug users, and the homeless; therefore, a high proportion of our patients come from populations with a high prevalence of HIV. We routinely offer blood-borne virus testing when patients register with us and find uptake is high. In 2010 we audited the rates of testing for the sub-saharan African population registered with us. Of 274 black Africans registered, 29 (11%) were known to be HIV positive, 11 (38%) of whom had been diagnosed on routine testing at our practice; 16% of black Africans registered with the practice remained of unknown status at the time of the audit.

Looking at those who had not been tested, it was clear that higher rates of uptake were achieved if the blood was taken at the same consultation as the test was offered rather than asking the patient to return at a later date. This will be familiar to all those working with patients who have chaotic and difficult lives, and is not unique to HIV testing.

In his response to your editorial on HIV testing in general practice,1 Smith is concerned that contacting patients to offer HIV testing will increase stigma.2 However, we do not shy away from contacting at risk populations for breast screening or cervical smear screening for fear of stigmatising either the disease or the population involved. A simple offer of an appointment for a health check for those patients who have not been seen for sometime should not offend, and may save lives.

Document Type:

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3399/bjgp11X595657

Appeared or available online: August 19, 2011

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