Headlines - Trends in HIV Testing in France from 2003 to 2012

One of the recommendations of the 2010–2014 National Plan to Combat HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections was to offer HIV testing to the entire population, regardless of risk exposure, and to repeat this offer to the most at-risk populations. The aim was to improve early HIV diagnosis and reduce the time between infection and treatment. The latest Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin from the InVS presents data on HIV testing activity in France from 2003 to 2012, based on the " LaboVIH " (medical laboratory), as well as on rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) conducted in 2012 as part of community screening initiatives. In 2012, 5.2 million (95% CI: [5.17–5.31]) HIV serology tests were performed, representing 80 tests per 1,000 inhabitants. Between 2011 and 2012, the number of serological tests remained stable nationwide but increased in the overseas territories and in Île-de-France. In 2012, 11,064 [95% CI: 10,693–11,435] tests were confirmed positive, representing 169 per million inhabitants. This number increased by 5% compared to 2011. In the overseas departments, it increased (+15%) for the first time since 2004. In 2012, 8% of HIV serology tests were conducted anonymously and free of charge, and the proportion of positive results was higher among anonymous tests (3.5‰) than among non-anonymous tests (2.0‰). Approximately 31,700 rapid HIV tests were performed in 2012 by nonprofit organizations, of which 10.5‰ were positive. Over the 2010–2012 period, the increase in HIV testing activity remained moderate (+5%), despite recommendations to expand testing published in late 2010.