Test Results and Reporting Requirements

Negative Test Results

• Reinforce positive behaviors
• Risk screening should be offered to all sexually active patients and those with high risk behaviors should be offered or referred to prevention counseling and/or services
• Recommend periodic retesting and testing of other STDs as appropriate

Positive Test Results

Timely access to clinical care, prevention counseling and support services is essential for persons with positive HIV test results.

Reporting Requirements

• Providers must:
  • Record how long it takes to inform HIV+ patients of their status
  • Submit a communicable disease report to the health department within five working days of diagnosis treatment or detection
  • To ensure proper patient care, Health Department may require continuing dialog with providers

Talking with your Newly Diagnosed Patient

• Delivering Results
  • Must be communicated within 72 hours
  • If you cannot contact your client, the Health Department’s Surveillance Team can assist
  • Be honest, patient, supportive and sensitive
• Many patients are overwhelmed when first diagnosed with HIV. They must be connected to medical services immediately
• Either refer to Medical Services or continue services and establish a plan for their care
  
  • For referral: see Medical Services in Pima County below
  • To continue care: provider assistance is available through AETC and the Health Department
• Connect client with Health Department for case management, behavioral health and other ancillary services
• Encourage partner testing

Surveillance

• If you cannot contact your patient within the 72 hour time frame, surveillance can help
• Partner Services - Services for partners and contacts to HIV positive clients
  
  • Anonymous partner notification
  • Partner testing
• Provides linkage to:
  • Medical care
  • Ancillary support services
  • Other testing
    • People that are HIV positive may be at risk for a variety of other illnesses and infections. It is important to provide follow up testing for other STDs, like syphilis.