HIV Testing in the ICU

Most ICU physicians have faced the dilemma of whether to perform HIV testing on a patient who is unable to provide consent, but few know the state laws that govern such testing.

In the intensive care unit (ICU), clinicians frequently struggle with decisions about whether to pursue HIV testing for patients who lack the capacity to provide consent. The CDC now recommends opt-out HIV testing in all healthcare settings (ACC Oct 6 2006), but how does this recommendation play out in the ICU, particularly in relation to state laws, which often conflict with the CDC recommendation?

To address this question, investigators surveyed all 2333 physicians affiliated with U.S. critical-care training programs; 1026 responded. Of these, 77% believed that nonconsented HIV testing should be allowed whenever the physician deems it important for medical care. However, most respondents did not know the actual state laws governing such te…

Reviewing Author

Sonia Nagy Chimienti, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Sonia Nagy Chimienti, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

HIV Testing in the ICU

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Reviewing Author