Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing is an important tool for minimising the spread of HIV and enabling access to treatment. Testing is also vital to mapping patterns of HIV transmission and providing the evidence base for public health campaigns and health service planning.
HIV testing rates in Australia are high compared to other countries. However, recent modelling for 2021 estimates that 9% of people in Australia living with HIV have not yet been diagnosed. The Eighth National HIV Strategy 2018–2022 recognised the importance of improving access and uptake to reduce late diagnosis of HIV.
Australian HIV testing is governed by law and guided by, the 2020 National HIV Testing Policy (which aligns with the Eighth National HIV Strategy 2018–2022).
The key principles guiding HIV testing are that:
- it be timely and of the highest possible standard
- it be voluntary and performed with informed consent (subject to limited exceptions where testing is authorised by a valid legal order or in emergency contexts – see 2020 National HIV Testing Policy)
- test results remain confidential (i.e. only the person being tested and the person providing the result be entitled to information necessary to identify the individual result), subject to exceptions identified in the 2020 National HIV Testing Policy
- it must be accessible to all those at risk of HIV
- it is critical to the prevention of transmission
- it is of benefit to the person being tested and a critical trigger to initiating interventions, including treatment
- it is critical to understanding HIV epidemiology in the community.
Anonymous testing should be available to individuals, subject to the need to obtain de-identified demographic information to inform surveillance.
Indications for HIV Testing #
HIV testing is indicated in various contexts. A full list of indications for HIV testing can be found at ASHM indications for HIV testing.
