The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.
Screening Guidelines
People who are being evaluated or treated for a
sexually transmitted disease
(STD), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that they get screened for
HIV
, even if they do not have other risk factors for the virus.
The CDC also recommends that all patients in healthcare settings should be tested for HIV and be given the option of declining testing if they do not want it. All pregnant women should be screened for the virus, as well.
Additionally, people who work in healthcare settings and correctional facilities should be screened. Men who have sex with other men should also be tested annually for HIV and other STDs.
If you have risk factors for contracting HIV, such as using IV drugs or having multiple sex partners, talk to your doctor about screening.