In the spirit of World AIDS day, the AOTW this week is a reminder to offer opt-out HIV screening to all adolescent patients 13 years old and up.

A recent study published in JAMA found that initiation of ART “beyond 12 months of seroconversion diminishes the likelihood of restoring immunologic health in HIV-1-infected individuals.”  Therefore we need to do our best to find infected individuals early. The discussion stresses the importance of a “public health strategy that includes frequent HIV testing in persons at risk” — that’s us!

If the nurse has not already approached the patient, please include the following statement in your ED encounter: “In our ED, we routinely screen all patients for HIV with a rapid oral test unless you choose to opt out…”

Link to article in the Atlantic:

The Sooner the Better for HIV Treatment

Link to JAMA article PDF referenced (works when on CNMC intranet):

Influence of Timing on Antiretroviral Therapy

Link to JAMA abstract:

Influence of Timing on Antiretroviral Therapy (abstract)