Policy lags behind reality on antenatal HIV screening

To the Editor: I wholeheartedly agree with Giles at al1 regarding the need for universal HIV antenatal screening in Australia. However, it is worth noting that, at least in private practice, there is already a significant amount of antenatal HIV screening taking place. In November 2005, several Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item numbers were introduced for antenatal screening for infectious diseases including HIV testing. I am unaware of any specific HIV-testing restrictions relating to national policy (other than the obligations of informed consent and such like) attached to these item numbers.