Human immunodeficiency virus testing for elective orthopedic procedures: Results in a community-based hospital

Between January 1, 1989 and July 31, 1995, voluntary preoperative screening tests for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, using an enzyme-li nked immunosorbant assay, were completed on 2727 patients who underwent ele ctive orthopedic surgical procedures. There were 2719 (99.7%) negative, 4 ( 0.15%) positive, and 3 (0.11%) false-positive results; 1 test was indetermi nate (0.04%). All 4 positive patients were men with a mean age of 32 years (range: 26-43 years). Although the prevalence of positive tests is low in t his setting, voluntary testing alerts the surgeon to higher risk patients, does not sacrifice patient care, and enables the incorporation of more exte nsive precautionary measures in the operating room to minimize occupational risks to the surgical team.