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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