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HIV Testing - Is it For Everyone?

By Mark Cichocki, R.N., About.com

Updated: August 11, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Susan Olender, MD

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.

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