Testing before surgery

Some surgeons are asking people whom they categorise into `high risk' groups to be tested for HIV antibodies, on the grounds that the surgeons need to know for their own protection.

It is not true that they have a right to know. Standard good hygiene measures, if properly observed, will protect surgeons and their patients from much more infectious diseases than HIV. The problem should not be seen as your possible HIV status, but whether or not the recommended hygiene procedures are routinely carried out. After all, for every person whose antibody status is known there will be many more whose status is unknown. As in any other workplace situation, the belief that HIV antibody testing can reveal everyone with HIV and thus minimise supposed risks, is dangerously misleading. In reality, just as with safer sex, everyone should proceed from the assumption that anyone, including themselves may be antibody positive. And in order to protect everyone, recommended standards of hygiene (universal precautions) should always be applied. Unfortunately, surgeons are not necessarily more rational about HIV than any other section of the population.

In other words, you should refuse. This would be the worst possible way for you to take an HIV antibody test.

Remember, there's very little guarantee your result would stay confidential in an ordinary surgical department. And you would receive little or no counselling and support.

Instead, just insist that the surgeons take all appropriate precautions as if you were at risk of HIV infection. After all, if they don't take universal precautions, how are you being protected from infections like hepatitis B? There are clear professional guidelines on hygiene, sterilisation and disinfection for them to follow.

It would be unethical if they refused you treatment after this. But if you're being pressured you need to get help in making a complaint.