HIV risk evaluation

Abstract

Background: Australia enjoys good control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by world standards and HIV testing is becoming an increasingly integral part of general practice. Nevertheless, HIV testing remains charged both emotionally and medicolegally.

Objective: To outline the importance of: determining why a patient is requesting an HIV test; helping establish his or her risk of infection; and tailoring counselling interventions.

Conclusion: Isolated high risk exposure to HIV may be grounds for postexposure prophylaxis. Other issues frequently arise out of HIV risk assessment that represent a greater hazard to the patient than HIV. The general practitioner is ideally placed to prioritise and deal with sexual health and infection issues on an individual basis.