According to the Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin (BEH) of the Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVs), 5.24 million HIV screening tests were carried out in 2012 in France, or 80 tests per 1,000 inhabitants. Barely 5% more than in 2010.
An expanded screening offer, effective rapid tests
In France, the offer of HIV testing is varied. Blood tests can be performed in laboratories and hospitals. But also anonymously and free of charge in the anonymous and free screening centers (CDAG) and the information centers for screening and diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (Ciddist). Since November 2010, these systems have also been supplemented by screening actions carried out by associative structures thanks to rapid diagnostic orientation tests (TROD). The simplicity of this test makes it possible to carry out reliable screenings outside specialized medical structures and to reach a population at risk who has never been screened in their life or who are far from health establishments. 31,700 tests were carried out in 2012 against 4,000 in 2011 and 10.5 ‰ of them were positive.
France in 2nd position after Austria
Despite this system, and the communication actions of the National Institute for Prevention and Education for Health (Inpes) to develop screening for the entire population between 2011 and 2012, the increase in the use of screening for HIV between 2010 and 2012 did not exceed 5%. A figure that would confirm that its health recommendations have not been widely followed by health professionals. However, France, with 80 serologies per 1,000 inhabitants, ranks second after Austria in terms of HIV testing.
AIDS in France
Each year, more than 6,000 new HIV infections are discovered in France. People are mainly infected through sexual intercourse. The National Institute for Public Health Surveillance (INVS) estimates that 30,000 to 40,000 people with HIV ignore it. However, early detection of HIV infection allows patients to benefit from rapid and effective medical care which increases their expectation and quality of life.
Source BEH-InVs 2013
