Randomized comparison of universal and targeted HIV screening in the emergency department.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Universal HIV screening is recommended but challenging to implement. Selectively targeting those at risk is thought to miss cases, but previous studies are limited by narrow risk criteria, incomplete implementation, and absence of direct comparisons. We hypothesized that targeted HIV screening, when fully implemented and using maximally broad risk criteria, could detect nearly as many cases as universal screening with many fewer tests.

Methods

This single-center cluster-randomized trial compared universal and targeted patient selection for HIV screening in a lower prevalence urban emergency department. Patients were excluded for age (<18 and >64 years), known HIV infection, or previous approach for HIV testing that day. Targeted screening was offered for any risk i

SUBMITTER: Lyons MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4241750 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature