Research explores rapid HIV testing

University of Sydney researchers are currently surveying dentists and community pharmacists to gauge their support to introduce rapid HIV and STI testing in dental surgeries and pharmacies, potentially increasing rates of early diagnosis.

The study - the first of its kind in Australia - may help increase the number of people living with HIV who know their status. In NSW, it is estimated that 20-30% of those living with HIV are undiagnosed and possibly spreading the virus.

The Australian government approved the first rapid HIV test in December 2012, a finger prick test, currently performed by medical practitioners. The test screens for HIV antibodies, giving a result within 20 minutes. A positive result still requires a blood test for confirmation, but there is an almost immediate indication - as opposed to waiting more than 24 hours. Rapid oral HIV and

Hepatitis C tests are currently being reviewed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

University of Sydney researcher, Dr Anthony Santella, said rapid HIV testing is currently being trialled in NSW, Victoria and Queensland but, compared to other parts of the world, Australia had been slow to approve and implement rapid testing.

"Research in both developed and developing countries has shown that rapid HIV tests have high acceptability among both providers and patients," he said. "HIV and other STIs are often undiagnosed or diagnosed late because of the stigma associated with them, their often asymptomatic nature and the limited number of testing providers, particularly for the marginalised and at-risk.

"Pharmacies and dental surgeries, with their recognised trust and expertise, close links to local populations and widespread geographical distribution, can potentially provide a high quality, safe and readily accessible location for testing.

The research is a collaboration between University of Sydney researchers Dr Santella and Associate Professor Richard Hillman (Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre), Professor Ines Krass (Faculty of Pharmacy), Associate Professor Mark Schifter (Faculty of Dentistry) and Dr Tim Schlub (Sydney School of Public Health).