Re: HIV Testing

Posted by TJResearcher on March 21, 2001 at 11:37:54:

In Reply to: Re: Update and more questions! posted by epa on March 21, 2001 at 11:18:31:

Orginally, I had planned on providing results as a part of the compensation for participation. However, in the U.S., there are strict guidelines for how HIV testing/counseling services are provided. In my home state, for example, anonymous testing is against the law. This means that my human subject committee cannot permit me to do anonymous and confidential testing as my grant is under their name. A case in point: I want an HIV test. If I live in CT (which is where I live), I cannot get one without my doctor's consent AND it shows up on my medical record. In California, that is not the case. Its screwed up but thats the way it is. This will cahnge if I can get my hands on federal dollars... (Keep in mind I haven't started testing yet) In the meantime, there is no reason why I cannot provide "information" about anonymous testing for my participants. This is touchy in Tijuana, as I've heard the quality of local testing is low. Supposedly too, sex workers in Tijuana are "supposed" to be registered, and those who are receive local HIV tests every 3 months. But I've heard a horror stories where local doctors don't tell women if they are HIV+ because they know they can't be treated, that it would cause psychological harm, that it could cause violence from a regular partner or family member, etc. I have found a few collaborators who might be able to get the tests done for free through SD County (I have to transport the specimens myself). That is my ideal scenario, but the details haven't been worked out yet. They are also provide HIV counseling and support groups specifically for women. Even if I could, I refuse to provide test results without some sort of quality follow-up. By the way, just in case you ever know someone in need, the name of this non-profit group is PAMSIDA and they are in El Centro. Anyway, there are a lot of politics and legal hassles that lie behind what you read. Don't think for a minute that I'm not trying the best I can.

Follow Ups:

Re: HIV Testing in TJ 694me 16:26:40 03/22/01 (1) Thanks but I was being hypothetical! :-) (NT) TJResearcher 05:37:31 03/23/01 (0)

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