Rapid HIV test in public spaces in Buenos Aires: 78 people were tested positive

During the 41 days of free testing in 18 squares and corners of the city in almost four years, more than 5700 people spontaneously approached
Quick HIV test

In just over 15 minutes, most knew that they had not contracted the virus and were continuing their way with more information on how to reduce the risk . But 78 men and women received a positive result and received the necessary referral to the infectious diseases departments of reference hospitals, such as Muñiz, Ramos Mejía, Tornú or Argerich, among others.

The last day was almost two weeks ago in the Liniers neighborhood. At the corner of Rivadavia and Barragán, technicians from rapid testing centers operating in the jurisdiction attended 80 consultations, provided information on other badually transmitted infections (STIs) and offered condoms.

The Campaign for Neighborhoods of the Coordination of Sexual Health, AIDS and STIs of the Buenos Aires Ministry of Health began in 2015, after the interest aroused in December of the previous year by the rapid HIV test offer at Plaza San Martín for World HIV / AIDS Day. Since then, teams of technicians spent the days in Pompeii, Chacarita, Belgrano, La Boca, Barrio Piedrabuena, Pacific, Parque los Andes, Plaza Congreso, Barrio Miter, Parque Centenario and Bajo Flores.

This facilitates access to HIV testing, but also to timely diagnosis. More than half (53.9%) of the people tested said they did "because he had come across and viewed the trailer," the rest had learned through social networks or comments.

"It is a screening test so it requires a confirmatory diagnosis in cases with positive results, but it is a test with a high sensitivity and specificity: there is the possibility of A false positive result, but it is rare, while the false negative is less than 1% of the cases "explained Adriana Durán, medical epidemiologist in charge of the Sexual Health Coordination Zone, AIDS and ITS

In the 41 departures of the caravan health to neighborhoods in which 5762 people have been tested since 2014, men are closer than women to take the test, unlike What happens in hospitals.The average age was 33 years old. 35% of the people tested received a r Result positive, with a higher prevalence among men who have bad with men.

"The prevalence [de la infección] during the campaign is greater than the estimate for the country and includes One expects an increase in the number of cases: we diagnose people who did not know that it was not the case. they were infected, they are new diagnoses, we do not know if there are new infections, "said Durán. 19659005] In the country, 0.3% of the population lives with the virus, according to the latest Bulletin on HIV, AIDS and STIs in Argentina of the Directorate of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases of the Ministry of Health of the Nation Last year, 5,500 people (0.13 / 1000 inhabitants) were infected, according to UNAIDS estimate with health statistics reported by the country.

In 2013, the National Health Portfolio released a resolution encouraging the use of the rapid test. HIV In the city, the test is applied a year ago: between 2012 and 2015, its use has increased by 125% in the jurisdiction, according to the epidemiological bulletin of the Coordination of Sexual Health, AIDS and ITS of the Ministry of Health of Buenos Aires Aires. Of the 15,700 tests, more than 35,000 were done in the city.

HIV is transmitted through unprotected bad (condoms during badl, oral or bad penetration and latex during oral bad with women), sharing sharps that are not disposable or sterile, including medical practices, and during pregnancy, childbirth and badfeeding without appropriate treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

The test, conventional or rapid, detects in the blood the antibodies that the virus produces in the body when it infects it. This is not immediate. It can take up to a month. The questionnaire that professionals make at the time of the test questions about the risks of exposure to irrigation and about this "window period".

In the city there are 35 health centers in neighborhoods, hospitals and NGOs that have a prevention center The counseling and diagnosis of HIV / AIDS (Cepad) where the rapid test is offered, which involves placing a drop of blood on a test strip

The result, which takes about 15 minutes, can be negative (outside the window, indicates that there is no infection) or positive. In this case, a more comprehensive conventional test should be done at the hospital to confirm the result in order to start the appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

"If today a person has doubts about the exhibition, tomorrow the quick test is done and the result is negative, you will be asked to repeat it in a month for the window period, c & # 39; That's why it's important to advise people, "adds Durán.

The results on public roads provide, for the specialist, two relevant indicators . "The rapid test improves men's access to HIV testing and going to the street could be a strategy for other health checks," he said.

According to the 2016 registers, the incorporation in 2012 of the rapid HIV test in the first level of care of the Buenos Aires health system has allowed 48% more people to know their diagnosis. In addition, it reduces by 7% the late diagnoses, when the infection causes symptoms. "Our experience shows that, for people, it is always better to know," concluded Durán.

Q & A on rapid test

How is the test?

A blood sample is taken with a finger prick (to determine glucose) and placed on a test strip which gives the result in 15 minutes. This allows more people to access the test.

Who should do it?

All people who were exposed to the virus because they had bad without a condom, shared a sharp item with traces of blood (rings or needles for tattoos or drugs , among others). Couples seeking pregnancy and pregnant women with their partners should also take the test.

Where can we do it?

The rapid, free and confidential test is offered in 35 health centers, hospitals and NGOs in the city. You can check the address in