Connecting withSexual Health

The prevalence of HIV infection amongst women giving birth in the UK has increased every year since 1990. Many pregnant women miss booking bloods and hence their HIV status remains unknown. This poses a risk of HIV transmission to their unborn child.

BHIVA Guidelines recommend:

 'Any indication that a woman is at continued risk of acquiring (HIV) infection in pregnancy should be recorded, and repeat testing offered'

'Rapid or near-patient testing should be recommended to women who arrive in labour unbooked and a reactive result should be acted on immediately'

'Labour ward staff must be aware of a woman's HIV status. Test results should be available on labour wards, with clear protocols for checking the status of women arriving in labour'

British HIV Association and Children's HIV Association guidelines for the management of HIV infection in pregnant women 2008, A de Ruiter et al.

Read full guidelines here

The Alere Determine™ HIV - 1/2 Ag/Ab Combo is the world's first 4th generation rapid point of care HIV test - meaning it can detect HIV infection earlier than older 3rd generation rapid tests.

- Rapid results in 20 minutes
- Easy to use
- No storage requirements

Read more here

To discuss HIV screening in maternity further please contact the Alere Customer Care Team on (0161) 483 5884 or ukcustomer@alere.com

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