ISSUE TO BE DISCUSSED:
Rapid test kits for HIV antibodies may soon
be approved for use in Canada. Large scale clinical trials are
already underway. Young gay and bisexual men are among the most
frequent consumers of HIV testing services. What are their views
on the idea of rapid testing?
CONTENT:
In December 1997 we conducted an informal
poll of participants in the Vanguard Project, an ongoing study
of HIV rates and risk factors in young gay and bisexual men in
the Vancouver area. A short survey was sent to 159 participants,
of whom 66 (42%) responded.
Despite concerns concerns of the potential
applications of rapid HIV testing, the majority (82%) were supportive
of the idea, and 67% expressed willingness to help test the accuracy
of the test kits.
Most felt that rapid testing would encourage
more people to get tested, as it would alleviate the anxiety
of the two-week waiting period. Many were concerned, however,
that the introduction of rapid testing could lead to home testing,
leading to people testing positive at home without any counselling
or support. Some drew attention to the wider societal implications
of the introduction of faster test kits. If they are ever available
for retail sale, will people start to rely on them to screen
their sexual partners? Will rapid HIV test kits someday be used
at borders between countries or even in job interviews to screen
out people with HIV?
How would the introduction of rapid testing
alter the role of health care workers? Among other changes, standards
for pre- and post-test counselling for rapid testing would have
to be developed.
