Starting testing from scratch

When Dr. Wayne Duffus, an AIDS doctor who also works for South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control, went around to several hospital emergency rooms a few years ago, he was shocked.

Not one, he said, offered HIV tests.

``They actually refused to do any testing at all,’’ Duffus said at a side session at the summit. ``I believe in the goodness of people, and believe most bad decisions are based on lack of education. And there are limitations on funding.’’

Now several emergency rooms offer HIV tests, he said. `` The tide is slowly changing,’’ he said.