Porn Industry Taking Steps to Prevent HIV

In response to concerns expressed by film makers, the adult film industry is tightening controls designed to prevent the spread of HIV between their actors and actresses. The move came as production companies expressed concern that they could be unknowingly filming actors and actresses who were quarantined after last week's disclosure that a female adult film performer had tested positive for HIV. Much of the confusion occurred because an actress continued to work even though she did not have a current negative test. The industry has set limits stating actors and actresses have to have a documented negative test within 30 days of filming. The woman in question allegedly had her last negative test on April 30, 2009 but filmed on June 5, 2009, meaning her last negative test was older than 30 days. To make sure test results are current, producers are being warned that unless they can confirm an actor or actress is negative using the HIV and STD testing database maintained by the industry, they should not use the performer. In fact production companies are being cautioned that paper test results should not be used instead of the database. Simply, doctors are saying if performers are not listed on the database as being negative then they should not be filmed.

Information Related to Testing and Prevention

• 5 Reasons to Get an HIV Test

• Signs You May Need HIV Tested

• CDC Testing Recommendations