Infection Control

CDC puts more money into HIV testing

Infection Control Weekly Monitor, February 4, 2009

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Since 2006, the CDC has recommended that all healthcare facilities routinely test Americans ages 13 to 64 for HIV, but most facilities have not followed those recommendations because of cost.

Now, the Houston Chronicle reports that the CDC is investing more than $35 million on a nationwide testing program, which aims to test 1.5 million people this year. Researchers expect that 20,000 people will be identified as HIV-positive as a result.

Many people in America are unaware they are HIV-positive, therefore increasing the chance of infecting others. Testing could reduce the spread of infection, and diagnose people earlier. According to Dr. James McCarthy, director of the Memorial Hermann emergency center, a hospital that conducts routine testing, those who are diagnosed earlier are staying healthier and out of the hospital, delaying treatment costs.



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