In 1986 Swedish STD clinicians decided on a national policy of offering HIV tests routinely to all their patients. During the period July 1986 through December 1994, 224,722 tests were performed. HIV tests for one or more specific reasons were carried out on 7% of the patients, and 20% requested the test solely because of anxiety. The remaining 73%, accepted the test as part of the clinical routine without giving any specific reason. Of those offered a test, 54% had been tested at least once before. Twenty-three per cent did not accept the test. Among those tested, 373 persons (0.2%) were found to have a newly detected HIV infection. Contact tracing was the reason for testing in 11%, whilst 32% were tested for other specific reasons, 29% requested testing for no stated specific reason and 28% had been tested as a routine. Of all the tested men who reported sex with men, 7% proved to be HIV positive. The 373 persons with newly detected HIV infection constituted 14% of the total newly detected cases in Sweden during the period in question.