if an hiv test can be given and results received within 20 minutes by using the swab method, why isn't it standard procedure to test a patient upon admittance to a hospital? it would do well for not only the patient to know but also for those that are giving that patient care to know. i realize that all necessary precautions are taken when treating all patients but wouldn't it be beneficial for the caregivers to know?
i'm not a nurse so i don't know the laws regarding such issues but i am curious.
Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.
Expensive test, requires patient consent, can affect their ability to get insurance if they have a positive result, assume every patient you take care of has hepatitis B (higher risk for this problem than HIV) and HIV.
When a positive result comes back, it depends on how the person decides to access healthcare services. Also this is dependent on the state and if they require mandatory report for all HIV positive test results. Some states also have Drug Assistance Programs through Ryan White Funding to pay for medications and other health services.
diane227, LPN, RN
1,941 Posts
Expensive test, requires patient consent, can affect their ability to get insurance if they have a positive result, assume every patient you take care of has hepatitis B (higher risk for this problem than HIV) and HIV.