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AIM uses a PCR/DNA "Qualitative" test. Of all pcr tests the "qualitative" pcr test is the least expensive. The herpes pcr test is still very expensive mostly because it is not yet used that much. AIM gets a great rate on the pcr because of the large number of tests they orer(buy). Herpes is not a test that people get all of the time, because once you test positive there is no need to order it again. The laboratory AIM uses if fully capable of running the tests, it is just very very expensive.



OK, so it is doable, and if it was implemented on an industry-wide scale, the cost would very quickly come down.

You are also 100% correct about the test frequency vis a vis those who have it/those who don't. This is why I suggest pooling talent related to their herpes status. My basic argument is simply this: If you come in to the industry without herpes, you should be able to leave without herpes as well.

I tend to think this little improvement to the current testing regime might also help improve the quality of the talent pool somewhat...how many people who would do porn decide against it because they don't want to catch a recurring and incurable STD? (There's no guarantee they won't get it in their personal life of course, but if your stats are to believed, their chances of getting it in the industry are much higher...like Russian Roulette with one empty chamber)


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Thebarrier to industry wide testing is the TALENT does not require it from one another. AIM does not set the policy for performers. They have an established protocol and any performer can follow it or not, it is the performers choice.



The I would suggest the lead needs to come from the studios/producers first...if they demand it, agencies will start demanding it, and thus talent will start demanding it.

I just think it's better that the demand comes from within the industry rather than from outside, like CAL-OSHA.