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Screening for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is now easier for residents of the Interior Health (IH) region, now that the On Demand test is available in all IH labs : //bit.ly/2PD39aL).
Patients can now visit all IH laboratories – including those at Ashcroft Hospital, Lillooet and the Clinton Health and Wellness Center – and get an HIV test without having to consult their doctor or nurse practitioner. Patients can fill out a laboratory application themselves and bring it to the laboratory, ask the laboratory to perform the test or request that the test be added to the existing blood sample ordered.
"With early diagnosis and advances in treatment and care, HIV is a chronic, manageable disease," said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. "The first step is to determine if you are HIV-positive and that's why I applaud Interior Health for making the HIV test more accessible to British Columbians.
On-demand HIV testing began at Interior Health in 2016, thanks to an innovative partnership with Valley Medical Laboratories in Okanagan. Building on the success of this program, Interior Health is eager to expand its service to the entire region.
"Interior Health is committed to providing people with accessible and patient-centered care, with respect for their dignity and privacy," said Doug Cochrane, Chair of the Board's Health Council. ; inside.
"By eliminating barriers to testing and allowing people to test themselves on their own terms, we are making it easier for people living with HIV to get the care they need."
Early diagnosis is vital for HIV treatment, but one in four people living with HIV do not know it.
"When people have easy access to HIV testing, they are much more amenable to testing," said Maja Karlsson, Harm Reduction Inner Health Manager and Health Awareness. "I encourage everyone to get tested for HIV as part of their health routine."
Patients who request a test in an IH lab will receive information about the test and the process of tracking negative and positive results. The results are available two weeks after the test. There is no additional follow-up for patients whose test is negative. Patients who test positive will be contacted by a nurse, who will provide support, education, follow-up care and referral to a physician if necessary.
Non-nominal HIV testing is not done through the On Demand program. If a patient wishes to perform a test without his name, you can do it through a family doctor or a nurse practitioner.
On-Demand HIV Testing is a partnership between the Interior Health Laboratory Laboratory Services and the STOP HIV program, which aims to reduce transmission and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV.
To find the IH lab closest to you, visit www.interiorhealth.ca/findlab.
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