In a recent update on HIV testing guidelines, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that healthcare providers encourage all individuals between 13 and 64 years of age to be regularly tested for HIV infection. One-quarter of adults with HIV don't know they're infected. Further, 240 cases of transmission from mother to child occur annually. The new guidelines suggest that high-risk individuals be tested at least once a year, and pregnant women during their first and third trimesters. Testing is recommended, but not mandatory; any patient who declines to be tested would have that decision noted in his or her medical record. Positive results should be relayed confidentially and directly from the medical staff to the patient. If there's a language barrier or other communication issue, it's not recommended that family or friends act as interpreters. Analysts estimate that new infections could be reduced by 30% each year if infected persons were made aware of their status and make appropriate lifestyle changes.

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