Prevention of late presentation of an HIV infection

In the Netherlands, it is estimated that 30-40% of people with an HIV infection
has not yet been diagnosed. In case of a later presentation the individual
patient is at risk for an increased mortality and morbidity, and at the
population level there is a higher transmission rate of HIV. In view of
changing the treatment indication, which is becoming more and more less
independent of the number of CD4 + lymphocytes, an early detection of HIV
infection is of great importance in both the interests of the individual
patient and the general population. In this pilot study we examine the HIV
prevalence in active case finding in the Emergency Department (ED), through an
opt-out system. Depending on the observed HIV prevalence, a proposal will be
made for opt-out testing at all ED's in the Netherlands.

To determine the prevalence of HIV infection in patients presenting at the ED
of the Erasmus MC, Maasstad Hospital or AMC

Cross-sectional multicenter study

When blood is drawn at the ED an additional blood sample will be taken to
perform an HIV test. Additionally, each participant receives a leaflet
explaining the study and a short questionnaire to fill out. In case of a
positive test result, the patient will be informed by us and follow-up
appointments will be made.