Descriptive survey of antenatal HIV testing in London: policy, uptake, and detection.

Sandra E MacDonagh, Janet Masters, Barbara A Helps, Pat A Tookey, A E Ades, Diana M Gibb

Avoidance of breastfeeding[1] and use of antiretroviral therapy[2] can substantially reduce the risk of a mother transmitting HIV to her child. The Department of Health has recommended that antenatal HIV testing should be offered to all women in areas of high prevalence such as London.[3] We examined HIV testing policy and practice in London maternity units and related policy to uptake of testing and detection of previously undiagnosed HIV infection.

Methods and results

In spring 1995 one interviewer conducted a telephone interview with a professional involved with HIV issues at each of London's 33 maternity units. Information on women booking for antenatal care over the previous 12 months and the number who elected to have an HIV …