10 Come Up Positive in Free AIDS Virus Tests

Ten of the 82 people checked for a virus associated with AIDS in the first two weeks of free screenings at county health clinics had positive tests, county epidemiologist Michele Ginsberg said Wednesday.

Health officials have stressed that the HTLV-III test for antibodies to the AIDS virus is not conclusive. Ginsberg said the 10 with positive results were encouraged to have a second blood test in case the first test was a false positive. Nine people returned for a second test, and the results are pending.

Ginsberg said 99 people initially asked for information on the screening but that 17 declined the test after receiving counseling that explained the tests and what the results mean. Those tested also were told how to reduce the likelihood of getting infections associated with AIDS if the results show they have the virus. Or, if the results were negative, they were told how to avoid contracting AIDS.

The controversial screenings began in San Diego County June 24. They are offered at health centers statewide under a law signed by Gov. George Deukmejian in April. It requires county health departments to provide such screenings at sites other than blood banks.

AIDS, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is an incurable disease that causes the body’s immune system to break down, leaving the body susceptible to a variety of infections and diseases. Homosexuals are one of the groups with a high risk of contracting the disease.

Asked about their sexual preference in a questionnaire, 66 of the 82 tested said they were homosexual, according to Ginsberg. Some did not answer the question.

The test is designed to protect the county’s blood supply, and health officials hope that it will divert people infected with the AIDS virus from the county’s blood banks. All blood donors are given the test, and officials feared that people who think they have been infected would go to blood banks to find out. Officials say there is a danger that inaccurate tests at blood banks might lead to donors giving contaminated blood.

The test is given daily at the main downtown clinic on Pacific Highway, Mondays at the East San Diego clinic, Tuesdays at the clinic in Chula Vista and Wednesdays at the clinic in Oceanside.