INSTI Supports US National HIV Testing Day

INSTI Supports US National HIV Testing Day

Atlanta, GA – Jun. 27, 2013. bioLytical were honoured to participate in this years National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) in Atlanta, GA. The event was observed across the United States and addressed by President Obama, who made the following remarks in his 2013 NHTD statement. Getting an HIV test is easier and faster than ever. And this past April, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended that everyone between the ages of 15 and 65 get screened for HIV as part of their routine health care. That means, under the Affordable Care Act, new health care plans will be required to cover HIV testing without any additional out-of-pocket costs. But more Americans still need to decide to take the test. We know from experience here at home and around the world that HIV testing opens the door to treatment, reduces the spread of the virus, and helps people lead longer, healthier lives.

Putting the Presidents words into action, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Fulton County Health Department and large Community-Based Organization (CBO) AID Atlanta partnered with INSTI to provide free HIV testing to people in the Atlanta metro area. Testing was offered at four locations and saw much greater efficiency with the use of INSTI, which [cut] the testing process in half according to AID Atlanta, with a great reduction in wait time for participants and greatly decreased need to facilitate large numbers of participants within the testing event. A total of 328 individuals were tested during these events. Six individuals were identified as preliminary positive and all were linked to care while completing post-counseling services.

Georgia has 40,328 people living with HIV and is ranked 6th highest in the nation for AIDS cases. By making faster, more sensitive testing available, bioLytical hopes to provide the best rapid tool for identifying unknown positives in this high-prevalence State and looks forward to continued partnership with the passionate individuals on the front lines of the fight against HIV/AIDS in the South.