‘Opt-out testing’ is authorised in some jurisdictions in some settings. Consent is required to order and undertake an opt-out HIV test.
There is a misconception that opt-out testing does not require consent. This is not the case. Opt-out testing for HIV requires the same informed consent that applies to all other medical tests and procedures. Opt-out testing simply removes the requirement that practitioners obtain highly specific (often written) consent to undertake an HIV test.
Opt-out testing is not yet uniformly available across Australia. Health practitioners must consult policies and procedures that apply to their workplace or setting.
