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 reatment 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, through an opt-out system. Depending on the observed HIV prevalence, a proposal will be made for opt-out testing at all Emergency Departments in the Netherlands.

It is estimated that in the Netherlands 30-40% of people who are HIV infected are unaware of this fact. When an HIV infection is detected in time, it can be easily treated. This will prevent the HIV infection becoming AIDS. Once the patient develops AIDS it is more difficult to treat. The question to be answered in our research is how often an HIV infection occurs in the population. Depending on the observed HIV prevalence, a proposal will be made for opt-out testing at all SEH in Netherlands.

One additional blood sample

Additonal bloodsample for HIV testing