HIV Screening

Overview

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people should get tested for HIV as part of their regular medical care.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends HIV testing for:^{footnote 1footnote 1}

People 15 to 65 years old as part of regular medical care.
Anyone who is pregnant.
People younger than 15 and older than 65 if they have a high risk for HIV, such as people who do things that put them at a higher risk for HIV. One thing that puts people at a higher risk is being a man who has sex with other men. Another thing is sharing needles, syringes, and injection supplies with other people. The more high-risk things you do, the higher your risk.

You and your doctor can decide if testing is right for you.

Where can you be tested for HIV?

You can get HIV testing done in most doctors' offices, public health clinics, hospitals, and Planned Parenthood clinics. You can also buy a home HIV test kit (saliva test) in a drugstore or by mail order. But be very careful to choose only a test that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If a home test is positive, you'll need to see a doctor to have the result confirmed and to find out what to do next.

References

Citations

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, et al. (2019). Screening for HIV infection: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA, published online June 11, 2019. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2019.6587. Accessed June 12, 2019

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffIgnite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review BoardClinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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