HealthDay News – Women aged 13 to 63 years should undergo HIV testing at least once in their lifetime, with annual testing thereafter based on risk factors, according to a new committee opinion from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 

Early HIV diagnosis and treatment can improve survival and reduce morbidity, noted researchers in Obstetrics & Gynecology. The committee’s recommendations include:

  • Reviewing patients annually and examining the need for retesting based on risk factors
  • Offering repeat testing for patients with the absence of risk factors
  • Referring clinical and supportive care for HIV positive patients
  • Providing counseling to patients
  • Complying with legal requirements related to HIV testing

“As physicians, our role does not end with HIV testing,” researcher Ruth Morgan Farrell, MD said in a statement. “If a patient has a positive HIV test, the OB-GYN should continue counseling the patient, referring her for appropriate clinical and supportive care.”


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References

  1. Committee on Gynecologic Practice. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2014;123(5):1137–1139