ACP reminds physicians, public about importance of screening for HIV

In support of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, ACP is reminding physicians to adopt routine screening for HIV and encourage patients to be tested.

ACP recommends that physicians offer screening to all patients older than 13, regardless of their risk factors, and should determine the need for repeat screening intervals on a case-by-case basis. These recommendations are part of ACP's guidance statement on screening for HIV in health care settings.

The CDC estimates that more than 200,000 individuals are unaware of their HIV infection, and these individuals account for more than half of all new sexually transmitted HIV infections. Numerous studies show that once individuals learn that they are HIV positive, they take steps to prevent HIV transmission to their partners.

It's important for individuals to know their HIV status so that they can get treatment to extend their lives and also decrease their risk of infecting anyone else.