Steps in the HIV Diagnostic Testing Algorithm
- Clinicians should begin diagnostic HIV testing of adults and children aged 2 years and older with an FDA-approved 4th-generation HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab immunoassay. (A1)
- The CDC/APHL HIV Diagnostic Testing Algorithm (Figure 2) is recommended for laboratories conducting primary diagnostic testing and confirmation of a reactive rapid screening test from serum or plasma. (A1)
- The NYSDOH strongly recommends that all New York State birth facilities use the pediatric HIV testing services at the Wadsworth Center.
- For information about this service, which is free of charge for New York State clinicians providing care for HIV-exposed infants, contact the Wadsworth Center at 518-474-2163.
- Facilities that choose to use laboratories other than the Wadsworth Center should verify that the testing is performed with an HIV nucleic acid test (NAT) that has been validated and approved for diagnosing HIV infection, including non-B subtypes of HIV-1.
- Clinicians should use an HIV NAT to detect HIV RNA or DNA and establish the diagnosis of infection in infants born to individuals with HIV-1. (A1)
