Accessing HIV testing and care

With the many recent improvements in the medical management of HIV, the ben efits of early detection of the virus have increased. People found to be HI V-positive can be offered immediate referrals for medical care and a compre hensive continuum of services. However, it is estimated that, among the 650 ,000 to 900,000 seropositive persons in the United States, about one third are unaware of their serostatus. Many of those who are tested for HIV do no t return for their results. Among those less likely to return for results a re young people and black Americans. Many factors at the individual, system and societal levels negatively impact whether individuals at risk for HIV seek HIV testing in the first place, whether they return for their results, and whether they get appropriate care after they are found to be HIV-posit ive. Some solutions are offered to improve the identification of new HIV in fections. These include social marketing campaigns to encourage individuals to be tested for HIV. Also, more use of the rapid HIV test, which will sub stantially increase the number of people obtaining their HIV results, is re commended. New computer technologies, such as telemedicine, also have the p otential to improve linkages to care for newly diagnosed individuals. In ad dition, it is essential that HIV care continue to be readily available thro ugh the Ryan White Care Act.