LUXEMBOURG — Manwin on Tuesday said it plans on adopting APHSS' performer testing standards, while also mandating that tests be no older than 15 days for all performers and third-party producers hired to create its content.
"Manwin supports the system put in place by the APHSS, while also moving beyond the standard industry practice of 30-day interval testing," the company said in a statement. "The APHSS has set forward a best practices guideline and system that allows performers, producers, and agents to create a controlled work environment.
"It includes consistent standards and guidelines for testing and treatment of adult performers, a secure database that ensures performer privacy and protects producer liability, protocol for performer support in the event of a positive HIV test result — including testing of first and second generation partners – as well as health and safety resources provided for producers and performers."
Adult performers commissioned for Manwin shoots will be mandated to have to provide health tests that are no older than 15 days starting on July 1.
Manwin said it will pay for all additional tests needed under these new rules in case a performer works for any of the company's brands multiple times in a 30-day period.
The company will require FDA approved tests from the clinics listed on the APHSS.org website, specifically the HIV-1 Aptima RNA Qualitive Assay. In addition, the company will require 15-day interval testing for performers.
Manwin said it expects producers, performers and agents to be in "full compliance with these new regulations, and looks forward to working with the FSC in setting the highest possible standards for the industry."
Separately, Manwin announced Tuesday that it has decided to provide Cutting Edge Testing with support.
Manwin said it purchased the Gen Probe Aptima machine for Cutting Edge Testing, a piece of equipment that performs the Aptima RNA Qualitive Assay.
“Aptima testing by Gen Probe has been available for many years, and is approved by the FDA for the diagnosis of acute HIV infection. At Cutting Edge Testing, we are now transitioning to the Aptima test for screening of HIV [infections] very shortly," said Dr. Peter Miao, who oversees the Cutting Edge Testing center.
“This demonstrates Manwin’s concern for the health and safety of all the performers and the industry as a whole,” Miao said. “By their generous gift, we now can move ahead and perform the Aptima test in the very near future.”