Routine HIV Screening
CDC estimates that 1 in 6 Texans living with HIV have not been diagnosed. This means 18,000 Texans ages 13 and older may be infected with HIV, but not know it. Learn more about why it is important to implement routine screening now.
CDC issued revised recommendations for HIV screening in 2006 to help identify persons living with HIV earlier in the disease process and to remove barriers to testing such as separate signed consent and pre-test prevention counseling. The CDC recommends HIV screening for all persons seeking health care in medical settings between the ages 13 and 64 after they have been notified testing will be performed unless they decline. Additionally, in 2013 the United States Preventive Services Task Force issued a Grade A Recommendation for HIV screening.
Benefits of routine HIV screening and the identification of HIV infection early in the disease process leads to:
- Greater response to anti-retroviral therapy
- Reduced viral load
- Lower transmission of HIV
- Improved quality of life
Learn More About the Recommendations
- 2006 CDC Guidelines
- US Preventive Services Task Force Grade A Recommendation
- The National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States
We support screening efforts in hospital emergency departments and urgent care centers, primary health care, and correctional health settings in areas of Texas with the highest prevalence of HIV.
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