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Free HIV Testing Offered To Indigent HIV-Positive Patients NEW!
Two pharmaceutical companies have agreed to offer free emergency testing of plasma HIV RNA levels to HIV-positive patients who are either uninsured or who do not have the money to pay, according to a press release from the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
Chiron Corporation, based in Emeryville, CA, and Roche Molecular Systems, based in NJ, reached an agreement with AIDS advocacy groups to establish patient assistance programs for indigent HIV-positive individuals until adequate government funding can be secured. The average cost for a single test is about $150. Chiron manufactures a branched DNA assay for plasma HIV RNA. Roche makes a polymerase chain reaction test (PCR) that is currently commercially available.
San Francisco will be the first of 10 major U.S. cities in which Chiron will offer HIV RNA testing. Chiron's patient assistance program will be implemented by the San Francisco Department of Public Health through San Francisco General Hospital and the city's public health clinics. More information on the San Francisco program can be obtained by calling (415) 863-AIDS. Effective January 2, 1997, inquiries can also be directed to 1-(888) HIV-LOAD.
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