Following an adult film industry controversy over “testing loopholes” for hepatitis screening among performers earlier this year, several top talent testing agencies have begun requiring tests for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) during monthly checkups, XBIZ reports. A new comprehensive testing protocol, called the Gold Standard Panel or GSP, will now test performers for eight sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—up from the previous standard of five—and has so far been implemented by popular Los Angeles–based testing agencies Talent Testing Service Inc. (TTS) and Adult Production Health & Safety Services (APHSS). According to the new standards, to participate in films porn actors need to be cleared for hep B and C as well as trichomoniasis vaginalis every 14 to 28 days. They are already required to do so for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.

To read the XBIZ article, click here.

To read a Hep exclusive by Kora Peters on hep in the porn industry, click here.