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.
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- Moaven and Partners Pathology Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW.
- 1. Giles ML, Hellard ME, Lewin SR, Mijch AM. The evidence for a change in antenatal HIV screening policy in Australia. Med J Aust 2006; 185: 217-220. <MJA full text>
- 2. Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Item statistics reports. http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/statistics/dyn_mbs/forms/mbs_tab4.shtml (accessed Sept 2006).