From yesterday, following a legal move1 made by the North’s health minister, it is now possible to buy HIV self-testing kits and to test yourself for HIV. Speaking on World AIDS Day, [Simon Hamilton MLA] said: “The change in the law will allow … Continue reading HIV self tests now available in North thanks to legal change
The consolidated World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on HIV testing services (HTS), published in July, recommend standardised HTS for correct diagnosis. David Rowlands examines the document, with particular regard to HIV testing in the UK. Continue reading Examining the WHO guidelines on HIV testing services
With the news that the British HIV Association has published its new Standards of Care for People Living with HIV 2013, which set out to secure high quality care for people with HIV in the UK, at a time when patient numbers are rising and the NHS changes the way HIV treatment and prevention services will be commissioned and provided. I am hoping that this will assist all interested in our care here in Northern Ireland to work for improvement of the service. I notice that The Rainbow Project – I hope that it is TRP in Northern Ireland – replied to the consultation … Continue reading New Standards of Care for People Living with HIV must apply in Northern Ireland as much as England
A report by the British HIV Association shows that 1 in 4 patients missed an opportunity for their HIV infection to be detected because they weren’t offered an HIV test. Continue reading Patients with HIV are going unnoticed by the NHS
There seems to be some confusion, PEP = Post Exposure Prophylaxis PEP ≠ Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis One friend got this wrong today. I’m reposting the excellent explanation on PEP from GMFA…. PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) PEP is a course of HIV medication which you can take if you have been at risk of HIV infection. The course of HIV medication lasts 28 days and, if taken within 72 hours of putting yourself at risk, may be able to prevent you from becoming infected with HIV. PEP stands for Post Exposure Prophylaxis – in other words it is a form of protection (against … Continue reading PEP – is Post not Pre!
