Do doctors now always check for HIV in the ER if you come in and they feel the need to do bloodwork?!
Question: Do doctors now always check for HIV in the ER if you come in and they feel the need to do bloodwork.?
I was curious because I went to the ER last night and the doctors took A LOT of blood to run all kinds of tests. I was having issues with my heart and pains in my limbs and neck (palpitations etc.). I know he checked for thyroid problems etc.
Anyway, when I came home my sister told me they could check for HIV, and will not always tell you. I signed a consent form for them to treat me etc. I have heard of people saying that they found out about having HIV from an ER doctor, without knowing they were even being tested.
I don't see how pre-counceling is the law (which I heard). When I was pregnant with my son they never told me I was being given an AIDS test, but it was mandatory. I only assumed. Health Question & Answer
Anyway, when I came home my sister told me they could check for HIV, and will not always tell you. I signed a consent form for them to treat me etc. I have heard of people saying that they found out about having HIV from an ER doctor, without knowing they were even being tested.
I don't see how pre-counceling is the law (which I heard). When I was pregnant with my son they never told me I was being given an AIDS test, but it was mandatory. I only assumed. Health Question & Answer
Answers:
No.
they are supposed to at a minimum, give you some basic written information, and they have to request your permission to do the test UNLESS it is done because of a needlestick injury to a healthcare worker. That's the only time they can test your blood without your permission.
Realize that HIV testing is not at ALL a routine ER blood test.
When they got all that blood -- it was for tests of blood count, hemoglobin, platelets, differential, electrolytes, kidney function, liver function - and after that they would add on specialty tests based upon your working diagnosis -- it's not at all unusual to fill 8 or 9 tubes of blood !
HIV is only ordered if it seems relevant on a case by case basis, and it cannot be done without your permission (*with the exception I noted above)Health Question & Answer
they are supposed to at a minimum, give you some basic written information, and they have to request your permission to do the test UNLESS it is done because of a needlestick injury to a healthcare worker. That's the only time they can test your blood without your permission.
Realize that HIV testing is not at ALL a routine ER blood test.
When they got all that blood -- it was for tests of blood count, hemoglobin, platelets, differential, electrolytes, kidney function, liver function - and after that they would add on specialty tests based upon your working diagnosis -- it's not at all unusual to fill 8 or 9 tubes of blood !
HIV is only ordered if it seems relevant on a case by case basis, and it cannot be done without your permission (*with the exception I noted above)Health Question & Answer
Germ guy is correct.
Although, in the area I live, even in the case of a healthcare workers occupational exposure, an HIV test cannot be performed on a patient without their consent.
In some regions of Canada they are trying to pass madatory testing laws, but thank God they are having a hard time.
The issue of mandatory testing is complex, and a bad idea in general.Health Question & Answer
Although, in the area I live, even in the case of a healthcare workers occupational exposure, an HIV test cannot be performed on a patient without their consent.
In some regions of Canada they are trying to pass madatory testing laws, but thank God they are having a hard time.
The issue of mandatory testing is complex, and a bad idea in general.Health Question & Answer
I think the ER can and will because they need to find out why you are sick. The usually check the liver function and do a CBC and if you have HIV you White Blood Cell count will be off. Health Question & Answer