Ryan White 2012 Grantee Meeting

New HIV testing technology facilitates the earlier detection of HIV primary and early infection. Early access and entry into care is critical. Early initiation of ARV therapy is recommended relative to treatment as prevention. Contact and source identification can lead to difficult legal and social situations for patients. The optimal timing of initiation of therapy remains uncertain for the individual patient with regards to long term survival, adherence and prevention of transmission. This workshop will review new 4th generation testing technology, its interpretation and effect on earlier recognition of HIV. Through the use of facilitated small group case discussions; the dilemmas, issues and potential solutions that early diagnosis raises for the clinician in terms of counseling and decision making for initiation of ARV therapy will be explored. A final summary of dilemmas and potential solutions will be facilitated by the presenters.

Learning Objectives:

• Interpret the results and significance of new HIV testing technology and its effect on diagnosing HIV earlier.
• Analyze the various dilemmas (contact and source identification, optimal timing of initiation of ARV therapy, issues of adherence and prevention related to therapy, etc.) brought about by earlier HIV diagnosis.
• Develop an appropriate and personalized counseling and medical care plan for patients with primary or early HIV infection.