Missed Opportunities for Earlier Diagnosis of HIV Infection—South Carolina, 1997-2005

In September 2006, CDC published revised recommendations for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing in health-care settings to (1) increase early detection of HIV infection by expanding HIV screening of patients and (2) improve access to HIV care and prevention services (e.g., by conducting screening in locations such as emergency departments and urgent-care facilities, where persons who do not otherwise access HIV testing seek health-care services). HIV screening is now recommended for patients aged 13-64 years in all health-care settings after patients are notified that testing will be performed unless they decline (opt-out screening). A CDC Editorial Note is included.