In cases of occupational exposure, how is authorization to conduct anonymous testing obtained?
A clinician may only order an immediate anonymous test in the specific instance of an occupational exposure involving a source patient who is deceased, comatose or otherwise unable to consent. The medical benefit of knowing the source person’s test result must be documented in the exposed person’s medical record. In almost all other instances, anonymous testing is conducted by staff of state and local health departments. Persons wishing an anonymous test can be referred to one of these by having them call 1-800-541-AIDS (2437).
A clinician may only order an anonymous test in the specific instance of an occupational exposure involving a source patient who is deceased, comatose or otherwise unable to consent, and there is no surrogate available prior to the time when post-exposure prophylaxis should optimally begin. The medical benefit of knowing the source person’s test result must be documented in the exposed person’s medical record.
Related Questions
- Is there a specific type of HIV test that is to be used for anonymous testing involving occupational exposure from a patient unable to give consent?
- Is the type of HIV test specified for anonymous testing involving occupational exposure from a patient unable to give consent?
- In what cases can a provider test a source patient of an occupational exposure without that patients consent?
