Assessment of the implementation and knowledge of the UK National Guidelines for HIV Testing (2008) in key conditions at a UK district general hospital

The objective of this study is to audit the implementation and knowledge of the British HIV Association (BHIVA) UK National guidelines for HIV testing (2008) in key conditions at Basildon & Thurrock University Hospital. Basildon Hospital is a district general hospital, serving over 400,000 patients in south-west Essex. A total of 348 patients were assessed through electronic to pathology data and patients' notes to investigate if they had been tested for HIV when diagnosed with the following conditions: tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B and C, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade II/III, lymphoma, anal cancer, seminoma or Castleman's disease. The physicians involved were questioned as to their knowledge of the HIV testing guidelines. Of the 348 patients who were identified as having the above mentioned conditions, only 13.8% of those with any of the key conditions had received an HIV test. Only one non-HIV physician was aware of the guidelines. Knowledge of the 2008 BHIVA HIV testing guidelines is scanty among non-HIV-trained physicians. Health-care professionals in the field, irrespective of their role, should work harder to disseminate information and reduce prejudice that decreases testing of at-risk individuals.