Offering routine antenatal testing for HIV and hepatitis B in the rural setting of Cornwall

Uptake of antenatal HIV testing in the United Kingdom: 2000–2003

BACKGROUND

A policy for routine antenatal HIV testing was introduced in England in 1999, with uptake targets for 2000 and 2002; similar policies were subsequently introduced throughout the UK.

METHODS

Date of implementation of the policy and data for estimating annual uptake of testing 2000-2003 were collected through postal survey of unit-based obstetric respondents to the National Study of HIV in Pregnancy and Childhood (NSHPC).

RESULTS

Implementation date was reported for every unit; uptake data were provided for about three-quarters of implementing units each year. The policy was implemented in 78% (152/195) of English units by end of 2000; 78% (89/114) of units providing data achieved at least 50% uptake that year. By 2002, almost one-third (46/151) of English units reported 90% uptake or more, and over half (84/151) 80%. All but three UK units introduced the policy by the end of 2003, and of those providing adequate uptake data, 38% (66/175) reported at least 90% uptake and 69% (121/175) at least 80%; however, 19% (41/216) of respondents still had difficulty providing adequate data for estimating uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

High uptake of HIV testing was reported from most UK units for 2003, but simple, robust and uniform methods for monitoring uptake at local and regional levels are still required.