INVC,,
Delhi,,
Women represent the fastest growing population of persons infected with HIV and heterosexual transmission has become a much bigger factor. All women irrespective of risk factors between the 19-64 years irrespective of risk factors should be HIV tested, said Padma Shri and Dr B C Roy National Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India.
A committee opinion issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends HIV screening for all women aged 19 to 64 years, regardless of their risk factors and targeted screening for women outside this age range who are at high risk. For example, all sexually active teenagers under 19 years should be tested, as well as women older than 64 years who have had multiple partners in recent years.
Currently testing is done only for pregnant patients, patients at high risk, and/or upon patient request. Today’s recommendation on HIV screening emphasises “opt-out” testing as the preferred approach.
