A new policy recently formulated in Dalian City in northeast China's Liaoning Province will help relieve the anxiety felt by many people who have concerns about their sexual health. Anyone having doubts regarding their HIV/AIDS status can now simply make an anonymous visit to the city’s Disease Control and Prevention Center, avoiding the embarrassment of waiting for test results under the watchful eyes of strangers. People can now mail their blood specimen anonymously to hospitals and later make a phone call to inquire about the results.
From December 1, 2002, people need only to go to their city’s Disease Control and Prevention Center to buy a numbered blood specimen sample kit. They can then take it home and, following the directions, take a little blood from their earlobe or fingertip, place the specimen in the container and mail it back to the center. Within several days, patients can telephone for their test results. So far, the "anonymous mail HIV test," invented by Dalian City, has benefited 35 people.
Throughout the whole procedure, from purchasing the sample kit to finding out their test results, patients don't have to reveal their identities or come into any contact with doctors. The blood specimen containers and packaging have been specifically designed to guarantee safe delivery during the mailing process.
More blood collection facilities will be set up in city drugstores to assist citizens who want to take advantage of the anonymous HIV test, sources at the center said.
(China.org.cn by Chen Chao January 4, 2002)
