We test after our models arrive using CLIA-waived screening tests, similar to Orasure, that were originally developed for use in public health mass screenings in Europe, Canada and many third world countries.

The testing technology is a whole-blood antibody test that is better than 99.8% accurate for HIV, slightly less (I think 99.0 or 98.5) for the hepatitis-C and syphillis tests. Like any other screening test, for anyone who receives a positive result, the test is repeated using the same testing technology and then again using one of the standard confirming tests. The personnel conducting the tests have appropriate training in the medical procedures involved in administering and reading the results of the test.

As Patti said, we do not shoot bareback content, and we also take additional steps to minimize risk in other sexual behaviors (models are not allowed to cum in another's mouth or eyes, models are not allowed to brush their teeth within 90 minutes of a shoot, and we do not shoot any content other than solo, even with condoms, involving any model who tests positive for any STIs.)

We also clearly explain to our models that the tests we do will not detect someone recently infected with HIV or hep-C, and that the window period could be up to 90 days, so they should not rely on the test results (again, even though we shoot using safer sex techniques, there are still risks, and we clearly explain them.)

As to the availability of instant HIV testing, there are labs in nearly every county in the US that offer the Orasure 20 minute test on a same-day basis. I believe that Labcorp, which has blood draw stations practically everywhere in the US, is one company that offers that service. I know this because if a model has engaged in high-risk behavior and has not been recently tested, we require that they get tested in their home location before we fly them out, and I've never had a situation where I was unable to find a same-day test location for any of our models throughout the US.

I have also talked to many, many gay producers who do some level of testing, either requiring that their models use AIM (which works with Labcorp), or getting tested and having the lab provide a copy of the results to the producer, or taking the models to the lab when they arrive.

I know that Dean Berkeley takes his models to a local testing lab. Corbin Fisher takes all of their models to a same-day lab and tests for every known STI including genital herpes, syphillis, gonorrhea, chlymidia, HIV, hepatitis, etc. Numerous other studios I've spoken with also use same-day testing labs.

In 2007, there is simply no excuse for not testing models when shooting bareback content, unless you simply don't give a damn about the safety of your models.

While it may be considered excessive by some, the "best practices" standard followed by Gaybucks/18West and a few other condom studios we know of is, in my mind, the only ethical way to treat the models, both as human beings whom we care about, and as the extraordinarly valuable talent that allow our companies to be financially successful.

Finally, from a business risk management perspective, it is simply foolish to shoot models, condom or no condom, without testing, fully informed consent, and written and oral disclosures of risk. If you have even a single model that becomes infected as a result of your studio's failure to take reasonable precautions to make the working environment safe, your entire business could easily go down the tubes paying for the resulting lawsuits. An "I accept the risk" disclaimer is nearly worthless if the model can show that the studio was aware of the potential risks, had an opportunity to mitigate them, and chose not to do so.

So from a legal, ethical, and risk management perspective, there are very strong arguments for testing, and, except for arguing cost or convenience, absolutely no valid arguments against testing, at least in my book.