1. Home
  2. Health
  3. AIDS / HIV

HIV Testing - Is it For Everyone?

By , About.com Guide

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

The Case For Testing
Proponents of universal HIV testing contend that the benefits of such a policy are many. The benefits of HIV testing include:

The Case Against Testing
Opponents of universal HIV testing are quick to point out the downside of HIV testing. The cons of universal testing may not be as obvious as the benefits of testing but they do exist.
  • Testing low risk populations waste time, HIV testing resources, and money.

  • Testing needlessly jeopardizes confidentiality.

  • Unnecessary HIV testing adds stress to the lives of low risk people.

  • Testing those who don't feel they need to be tested infriges on their free will and their right to control their own medical care.

    The Patient Bill of Rights - Guarenteed Confidentiality

Where it Stands
Altimately the choice to be tested or not is an individual one. The benefits are obvious but the choice is yours.

We would love to hear your point of view. You can send it to us using our easy user submission form or join our free online HIV forum. Share your thoughts with our community here at About HIV/AIDS.

Explore AIDS / HIV
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. AIDS / HIV
  4. Testing & Prevention
  5. HIV Testing
  6. HIV Testing - Should We All Get HIV Tested?

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.