In a major win for industry safety protocols, the Performer Availability Scheduling Service (PASS) announced Thursday that its recent production hold has been lifted, effective immediately. The news came after the Talent Testing Service confirmed that all potentially exposed performers have retested negative, signaling no new transmissions occurred within the talent pool.
The System Worked
The temporary shutdown, a standard procedure following a confirmed positive HIV test, put the industry on pause to prevent any potential spread. PASS’s quick and decisive action, followed by thorough retesting, has now confirmed the effectiveness of the current safety net. Performers with a current clear test panel are now free to return to work.
In their official statement, PASS highlighted the success of their long-standing procedures:
“Based on the date of the performer’s last clear test and the standard window period for exposure, this suggests no transmission from or within the performer pool and no excess risk to performers… There has been no transmission of HIV on a PASS-compliant set since 2004.”
How The Process Keeps Everyone Safe
For those new to the scene, a production hold is a critical safety measure. When a performer tests positive, PASS works with testing partners like TTS to identify and contact anyone who might have been exposed. Those performers are then retested using the highly sensitive HIV RNA (or PCR) test, which can detect the virus as early as 5-10 days after infection.
PASS requires a 14-day window post-exposure for this retesting, a timeline that surpasses the virus’s initial “eclipse period” and is designed to catch over 95% of early infections. This robust system, developed in collaboration with testing partners back in 2017, just proved its worth yet again.
A Culture of Proactive Health
This event serves as a powerful reminder of the tools and practices that have become central to the modern adult industry’s focus on performer well-being. PASS took the opportunity to reiterate the layers of protection available to talent:
- Consistent Testing: Working only with talent who adhere to PASS’s strict 14-day testing protocol.
- PrEP: Using Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, a daily medication that is 99% effective at preventing HIV acquisition through sex.
- Barriers: Using condoms correctly and consistently, which can reduce transmission risk by 90-95%.
This multi-faceted approach empowers performers and producers alike, creating a work environment where risks are actively and effectively managed.
Community, Compassion, and Moving Forward
Beyond the technical success, PASS made a point to thank everyone for their cooperation and emphasize the human element, particularly the need for privacy and support for the performer involved.
“We appreciate the efforts of all involved, particularly the performer who worked diligently during an incredibly difficult time to identify any contacts within the industry to keep everyone safe. As a community, it is essential that we continue to protect the privacy of the performer, and provide whatever support and compassion we can.”
As cameras get ready to roll again, the key takeaway is clear: the industry’s commitment to safety is stronger than ever, built on a foundation of rigorous testing, personal responsibility, and community support.
* Thumbnail from avn.com
