USPSTF: Increase HIV Detection through Routine Screening

Late in 2012 the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) opened comment on a recommendation of HIV testing for everyone from age 15 to 64 years. What is different in this draft guideline from the recommendations made by the task force in 2005 and who does the task force want to reach most with the new guidance?

In this podcast Dr Rodger MacArthur answers these and other questions and helps place the Task Force guidance into context for primary care physicians. Dr MacArthur is a Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, at Wayne State University in Detroit. Dr MacArthur specializes in the care of people with HIV/AIDs.

USPSTF: Increase HIV Detection

 Data accumulated since the 2005 recommendation was put forth shows that expanded HIV screening identifies a substantial number of persons with previously undiagnosed infection. In fact, approximately 20% to 25% of individuals living with HIV infection are unaware of their positive status. Routine testing would eliminate the need for physicians to delve into sexual history with a patient before recommending screening.

The draft guidance can be read, here.

Conflict of Interest: Dr MacArthur is a consultant to, and has received grants administered through his university from Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc, the manufacturer of crofelemer (Fulyzaq); Gilead Sciences, the manufacturer of Atripla; and ViiV Healthcare, the manufacturer of abacavir (Epivir; Epzicom). He received no compensation from any source for this interview.