HIV Testing — Targeting High-Risk Populations

In an innovative program of bathhouse-based HIV testing, 4% of participants were found to be HIV-infected.

In 2006, the CDC recommended universal opt-out HIV screening in all healthcare settings. Implementation of this recommendation has been incomplete, and the value of testing in populations with HIV prevalence below 0.1% is questionable. Some have suggested that screening be focused on venues with high-risk populations (e.g., emergency departments). In several U.S. cities, programs offering HIV testing in bathhouses that cater to men who have sex with men have shown early success.

Researchers now report results from a 20-month pilot program in two New York City bathhouses. A rapid oral swab test was used, and preliminary positive results were confirmed with Western blot testing of serologic samples; the serologic testing algorithm for recent H…

Reviewing Author

Charles B. Hicks, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardGilead Sciences; ViiV; Merck

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc.

Grant / Research supportNIH; Department of Health and Human Services

Charles B. Hicks, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardGilead Sciences; ViiV; Merck

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc.

Grant / Research supportNIH; Department of Health and Human Services

HIV Testing — Targeting High-Risk Populations

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Reviewing Author