In Brief

Sir: Will there ever be an end to the pussyfooting around on HIV testing (letter, 20 August)? It should be automatic (and compulsory) for anyone undergoing any medical procedure. The overriding aim with Aids should be prevention and ultimate eradication, as with any other serious communicable disease. Concern expressed for the emotional effect a positive test will have is quite spurious since the alternative is the further spread of this dreadful condition to the nearest and dearest of those with undiagnosed HIV/Aids.

JOHN FORD

Amersham, Buckinghamshire