New CDC HIV Testing Guidelines Released

According to a report published in the December 15th issue of American Family Physician, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) reviewed and updated the HIV testing guidelines. The CDC is now recommending that all persons aged 13 to 64 gets tested at least once for HIV regardless of risk factors. According to the article, “Traditionally, HIV tests have been offered only to those persons with high-risk sexual activity or injection drug use. Risk-based screening, however, can lead to missed opportunities for diagnosis, because some patients are reluctant to disclose risks and others might not realize they are at risk because of their partners' risk.” Nearly 1 million people in the United States have HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and of those it is estimated that 25% are not aware they are infected.

Specific recommendations are that everyone between 13 and 64 receive testing, that all pregnant women get tested in the first trimester and pregnant women with risk factors be tested again in the third trimester. Many family physicians have received resistance from patients to testing due to lack of time, other priorities, lack of patient acceptance, lack of knowledge/training, inadequate reimbursement and their perception that there is a large burden on them for consent and counseling requirements. The CDC no longer recommends formal counseling and consent, although discussions with your physician prior to testing can be helpful.

Early detection of HIV can save lives by limiting viral transmission to other and by optimizing the outcome for the infected person. Research has found that after being notified that they are HIV positive 64% of these people reduce the frequency of unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse. Those who fall in high risk categories should definitely be screened for HIV. These categories include injection drug users and their sexual partners, sex trade workers, sexual partners of individuals infected with HIV or at high risk, and men who have sex with men.

HIV testing is available through your primary care physician or through testing facilities such as ANY LAB TEST NOW® which can provide low cost, quick, anonymous tests.