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The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.
People who are at increased risk of HIV infection may be screened for the virus. Screening tests include:
In addition, whenever you donate blood, your blood is tested for HIV in order to prevent transmission of the virus to the person who receives your donated blood.
The general population is not screened for HIV infection. Counseling and testing for HIV is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for anyone who has engaged in risky behavior or had a work-related exposure. Local health departments often provide anonymous HIV testing.
The CDC recommends that gay and bisexual men at high risk for HIV infection be screened annually for sexually transmitted diseases , including HIV.
Some of the other people who should be offered counseling and testing for HIV include:
References:
Conn HF, Rakel RE. Conn's Current Therapy 2001 . 53rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2001.
HIV/AIDS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/ . Updated September 2008. Accessed September 25, 2008.
HIV/AIDS. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website. Available at: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/ . Accessed September 25, 2008.
Noble J, Greene HL. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine . 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, Inc; 2000.
Last reviewed October 2009 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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