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Mandatory anonymous HIV surveillance in Denmark: the first results of a new system.

E Smith, B A Rix and M Melbye

Department of Epidemiology, Danish Epidemiology Science Centre, Statens Seruminstitut, Copenhagen.

OBJECTIVES. This paper describes the principles and first results of the newly implemented anonymous mandatory human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reporting system in Denmark. METHODS. The system is based on a serially numbered form that is circulated among the laboratories, the physicians, and the national surveillance unit. All laboratories doing confirmatory tests for HIV antibodies must send a report form along with any positive test results. Before forwarding the form, the laboratory is to fill in the top part with the name and address of the requesting physician and send the back copy to the surveillance unit. The physicians are mandated by law to fill in the form with data on the patient and to keep two copies for their own files before sending the original to the surveillance unit. RESULTS. After a revision of the system, a response rate of 95% was obtained. CONCLUSIONS. We have established an anonymous mandatory HIV surveillance system in Denmark that enables routine evaluation of the completeness of reporting and nonresponding physicians to be reminded of their duty to report. Also, the physicians can act as mediators between patients and researchers; therefore, nested studies can be done without breaking the anonymity of the patient.

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