Instant HIV test review
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.
It is a very debatable topic. Everyone has there opion about it. But, I think those who are against it and want to say harsh things should not voice it on the net. You do not know how those people really got the condition. Just because they are gay doesn’t mean they got it through sexual relationships.
So please keep in mind that it is not always there fault.
And if it is who are we to judge. They will live with it for the rest of there life and feel the pain from it.
I don’t like judging people on what they have.
To those above who have said, ‘you have no one to blame but yourself,’ I think you are over-simplifying! I was always so diligent with having safe sex, but I was RAPED and I have recently had an HIV test and am waiting for the results. Why don’t you think about people in my situation!
Oliver and hdp you are both a**es. Young people make mistakes. That is part of growing up. It is very unfortunate that you both look at the issue the way you do. If it was you who was concerned about your HIV status I am sure you would have a completely different attitude. It is unfortunate that some of the mistakes young people make can lead to something that will have adverse effects for the rest of there lives. And to you Oliver the AIDS Sympothy wagon, that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. It is just human decency to have compation towards your fellow man. You both need to get a LIFE!!!
Weve been bombarded with the AIDS Sympathy wagon for nearly 30 years now, “Yawn!” Bit tired of it!!!!
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.
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.
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!
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.
If you were more careful, shannon, you wouldnt have the what if in the back of your mind.
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.