Routine HIV testing arrives in Bella Bella
Starting November 3, physicians and nurses in Bella Bella will be offering HIV tests to patients as part of routine care. When patients at the R.W. Large Memorial Hospital Emergency Department, Inpatient Unit and Clinic, and the Bella Bella Health Centre have regular blood tests, they’ll now be asked if they’d like to be tested for HIV.
HIV status affects many aspects of clinical care including treatment of infections and cancers, as well as basic health care such as immunizations.
Routine testing works
Since VCH and PHC began routine HIV testing, more than 120 positive cases have been diagnosed from hospital alone, mostly in emergency departments. These people may not have been diagnosed without the routine offer of a test and are now linked to care and support.
Early diagnosis of HIV infection allows individuals to benefit from treatment, with research finding that most people newly diagnosed with HIV had many missed health care opportunities to have their infection diagnosed earlier. And when patients regularly take HIV medication, they’re less likely to pass the virus onto others. It’s up to us to identify those unaware and help them access treatment and support services. Routine, provider-initiated testing also helps reduce the stigma associated with HIV testing and improve testing uptake.
The stats
- Routine HIV testing has been in place in some Vancouver hospitals since October 2011 and the positivity rate is approximately 3 per 1,000 patients among patients admitted to acute care. This is three times the cost-effectiveness threshold of 1 per 1,000.
- About 94% of patients typically agree to the test.
- About one quarter of people who have HIV don’t know it; this adds up to about 3,500 BC residents.
Routine HIV testing is already performed in some hospitals and clinics across Vancouver, Richmond, Sea to Sky, and the North Shore.
More info
Doctor or nurse in Bella Bella? Check out the handy FAQs on the VCH website to help you talk to your patients/clients.