HIV Testing in the U.S.: A Long Way to Go

HIV testing rates in the U.S. remain very low, even in high-risk groups.

The CDC estimates that about 25% of HIV-positive individuals are unaware of their infection and could thus unknowingly infect their contacts. Consequently, the CDC has recommended broader, “opt-out” HIV testing for all U.S. adults, regardless of their risk status. To determine current rates of HIV testing, investigators performed a cross-sectional analysis of National Health Interview Survey data for 2000 through 2005. On these surveys, participants had been asked whether and when they had been tested for HIV, whether they planned to be tested during the next year, whether any HIV risk factors applied to them, and what they perceived their own risk for HIV infection to be.

Overall rates of HIV testing were low (only 37% ever tested, 10% test…

Reviewing Author

Daniel J. Diekema, MD, MS

HIV Testing in the U.S.: A Long Way to Go

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Reviewing Author