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- News
- Author:
- Harley Dennett
- Posted:
- Wednesday, 6 August 2008
Australia’s AIDS councils will reconsider seeking access to rapid HIV and syphilis tests over the next six months following the introduction of the 10 to 20-minute tests in New Zealand.
Last week the New Zealand AIDS Foundation added rapid syphilis testing to its existing rapid HIV testing facilities to encourage more people to be aware of their status and seek treatment if necessary.
“Since there is research which directly links an increased risk of HIV transmission to syphilis, early detection and treatment is another weapon in our fight against HIV infection,” NZAF positive health manager Eamonn Smythe said.
He said the rapid syphilis test was 99 percent accurate and needed only a finger prick. Since the introduction of the rapid HIV test last year, NZAF has seen a significant rise in the number of gay men requesting tests.
Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations acting executive director Simon Donohoe said Australia had a much higher rate of HIV and STI testing than NZ, so the same benefits may not apply.
“There was a review of Australia’s HIV testing guidelines a couple of years ago and at that point the issue of rapid testing was discussed but wasn’t supported outside of clinical settings in specific circumstances. And home testing wasn’t supported at all,” Donohoe said.
Developers of the rapid tests haven’t applied for an Australian licence yet, Donohoe said, but if the new policy by AFAO’s member organisations supported the use of the tests then the developers would likely make that application.
He anticipated that review would be completed by the end of the year.
“The reason I don’t think it’s been fast tracked or pushed for is that of all the developed western nations, testing rates in Australia are the highest among men who have sex with men and gay men, in the 80 percent plus,” Donohoe said.
“But that’s not to say the utility of a rapid test wouldn’t be welcomed by gay men.”
Tags: AFAO, hiv, NZAF, testing
August 7th, 2008 @ 2:05 am
Waiting the week for your test results to come back is a horrible experience - i’ve always got the “what if” in the back of my head.
Would gladly welcome rapid testing.
August 7th, 2008 @ 3:09 pm
If you were more careful, shannon, you wouldnt have the what if in the back of your mind.
August 8th, 2008 @ 9:42 am
Well said, Oliver. Personally I have very little sympathy for queens who acquire HIV in this day and age. You’ve noone to blame but yourselves and I for one am not willing to part with one cent of my money to keep you all in drugs and diapers for the rest of your pitiful lives. Wise up guys.
August 9th, 2008 @ 2:38 am
I really do not understand the judgmental attitude of people like hdp who are so ready to condemn anyone who becomes HIV positive. I have seen the fear, anxiety and desperation of young people who think they may be positive for a variety of reasons, many outside their experience or in fact their control in cases of rape, and yet so readily judged by others. Waiting a week or two to get their results back from a sexual health clinic is a nightmare and I have seen many close to suicide awaiting results that are most often negative. We may have one of the best testing rates in the world but I bet we can do far better with rapid testing and it will let some not have to live a nightmare for a week or more!
August 10th, 2008 @ 7:30 pm
I feel desperately sad for people that have HIV. I couldn’t begin to imagine what it would be like to have that condition and they should certainly not be judeged. Shame on pdp for his harsh attitude. At the same time, it’s ironic that when I read the SSO there is so much emphasis on educating people on HIV, yet at the same time there is advert after advert for the sort of sexual encounter that, without protection, puts people at risk of HIV with no mention of the risk of the need for protection. I don’t get it.
August 13th, 2008 @ 5:03 am
hdp…it sounds like it is you who is leading a pitiful life. What a sad, ill informed nasty queen u are.
Any gay man who is sexually active with different partners(even if it they are having safe sex) should be having regular HIV tests.
So get off your high horse….loser.
August 13th, 2008 @ 5:03 pm
Weve been bombarded with the AIDS Sympathy wagon for nearly 30 years now, “Yawn!” Bit tired of it!!!!