July 25, 2012
HIV Prevention Officer Bill Rutkin has warned that diagnoses of the disease have risen in the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service region in recent times.
This has prompted the sexual health clinic at Toowoomba Hospital, Kobi House, to conduct research using a new technology involving an oral swab.
“The test is available either by mailing a test kit or through outreach services. It is not anonymous as the doctor must be able to provide results to participants,” Mr Rutkin said.
“Gay and bisexual men and their female partners are the primary subjects of this research as they are most likely to be exposed to HIV in our region.
“Approximately one in five HIV-positive gay and bisexual men in Queensland may be unaware that they have HIV.
“Medical confidentiality between participants and the researching doctor, John Hooper, is assured.”
Mr Rutkin said all sexually active gay and bisexual men should undergo a full sexual health screen every six months.
“Sexually Transmitted Infection testing can be provided by a GP or a sexual health clinic such as Kobi House at Toowoomba Hospital, or men can take advantage of the convenience of the HIV research project,” he said.
Kobi House can be contacted on (07) 4616-6446.
