“An advanced test for AIDS, the deadly acquired immune deficiency syndrome, could be available in Hongkong by May,” reported the South China Morning Post on February 19, 1985. “American researchers have developed a commercial kit to detect the disease and hope to receive an official go-ahead to begin production this month.
“The US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to license the test within the next two weeks, paving the way for its export abroad. The Australian Government has already placed an order and plans to have units operating before April to screen blood donors.
“The chairman of a task force set up in Australia to combat a threatened AIDS epidemic, said yesterday he had been told by US medical authorities the test kit could be marketed worldwide. ‘I would think that it would be available to Hongkong or any country wanting it,’ Professor David Penington said.”
On August 17, the Post confirmed that “blood tests for AIDS can begin on Monday, the Medical Health Department announced yesterday. Laboratory screening will be run at Queen Mary Hospital and Yan Oi Polyclinic in Tuen Mun – charging $220 or $250 a time depending on what type of test. The facilities will be open for all doctors and hospitals in the territory.
“The Hongkong Red Cross and the Family Planning Association both welcomed the news.”