Public Health Service Guidelines for Counseling and Antibody Testing To Prevent Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

• NCJ Number: 107196
• Journal: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Volume: 36 Issue: 31 Dated: (August 14, 1987) Pages: 509-515
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 7 pages
• Corporate Author: Ctr's for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports (MMWR's) from V 36 N 12 (April 3, 1987) are retained at NCJRS.

Annotation

Guidelines are provided for counseling and antibody testing to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), particularly among at-risk populations.

Abstract

A test for HIV antibody is considered positive when a sequence of tests (including enzyme immunoassay and a more specific assay such as the Western blot) are consistently reactive. HIV testing and pre- and posttest counseling are suggested for persons with sexually transmitted diseases, intravenous drug abusers, and persons who consider themselves at risk. Women of childbearing age with identifiable risk for HIV should be tested and counseled, and persons planning marriage should be given information about HIV and AIDS and the availability of counseling and testing. Other groups for whom testing or counseling may be appropriate include persons in hospitals or undergoing medical evaluation, inmates, and prostitutes. Partners of seropositive individuals should be notified via confidential procedures. Confidentiality and antidiscrimination are important to the success of such public health programs. 9 references.