Med News Today

CDC Seeking HIV Testing of Most Americans

HIV testing should be part of regular medical check-ups for all Americans between the ages of 13 and 64, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Reports The New York Times:

The proposal is a sharp break from the early days of the AIDS epidemic, when the stigma of the disease and the fear of social ostracism caused many people to avoid being tested.

That led to heated debate about whether positive test results could be shared by medical and governmental authorities in their effort to contain the epidemic by reaching out to partners of those who might be infected.

Under the agency’s plan, which states can adopt or modify if they choose, patients would be advised they were being tested, but the tests would be voluntary.

posted by nattietodd @ 8:25 AM