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While clinicians and researchers have made dramatic strides in treating HIV and AIDS, progress in effecting an early diagnosis of the immunodeficiency virus or syndrome has not been as stellar. An estimated 250,000 to 310,000 people are living without knowledge of their infection in the United States.

To try to foster earlier detection and intervention, the CDC released new screening recommendations intended for all healthcare providers in the public and private sectors. These recommendations have been supported by the American Medical Association.

In short, the CDC now advocates that HIV screening become a routine part of medical care for patients ages 13-64, as well as part of the panel of prenatal screening tests for all pregnant women. The CDC's guidelines state that while patients must be notified of the HIV testing and have the right to decline, separate written consent should no longer be required … consent will be inferred unless a patient opts out. In high-risk populations, repeat screenings should continue at least once a year. For high-risk pregnant patients, a repeat screening in the third trimester is recommended. The CDC also stated that a counseling session prior to testing no longer be mandatory.



December 2006

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