HIV testing in non-traditional settings: feasibility and acceptability in an acute admissions unit

of results Of 1388 age-eligible patients admitted, 716 (52%) were approached. 163 (23%) were clinically ineligible to test. Of the 552 patients offered an HIV test, 383 accepted (Uptake: 69%). Four patients were newly diagnosed as HIV positive (1.04% [95%CI: 0.29 — 2.66%]) and all were transferred to care. A further two individuals were diagnosed via contact tracing. Uptake was not shown to differ significantly by age, sex or sexuality, but did differ by ethnicity (p=0.04). There was agreement among the questionnaire respondents (107 patients, 43 staff) that HIV tests should routinely be offered to everyone (97%) and in settings other than sexual health and antenatal clinics (87%). Acceptability of the test offer among AAU patients was high (92%). However, only 42% of staff reported they were happy to offer tests and 62% felt they needed more training. Conclusions The routine offer of an HIV test to patients on the acute admissions unit was concluded to be feasible, acceptable and successful in identifying previously undiagnosed individuals. Training of relevant staff is advised.