Level of impact on the public health of universal human immunodeficiency virus screening in an Emergency Department

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV and the acceptability of rapid testing in an emergency department (ED), Barcelona (6/07/2011 to 8/03/2013).

Method: A convenience sample was used, depending on nurse availability in the ED. Participants signed an informed consent. Results were confirmed by conventional methods.

Result: A total of 2,140 individuals were offered testing, and 5% rejected taking part (107/2,140). Three subjects (3/2,033 [0.15%]) had confirmed reactive test. Individuals with a higher education were more likely to perform a rapid HIV test in ED (P<.005).

Conclusion: A low prevalence of new HIV diagnoses was found among participants, although there was a high acceptability rate to perform rapid testing in the ED.

Keywords: Cribado; Diagnostic test; Emergency Department; Hospital; Human immunodeficiency virus; Prueba diagnóstica; Screening; Servicio de Urgencias; Virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana.