Testing for HIV during pregnancy: 5 years after changing German pregnancy guidelines.

OBJECTIVE

A known HIV status is the most important step in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV and screening for HIV is recommended by German prenatal guidelines. In our study, we wanted to ascertain the prevalence of HIV-testing in a pregnant inner-city cohort.

METHODS

Prenatal records of 279 women were prospectively studied, and the testing confirmed with the prenatal care providers.

RESULTS

82.4 % of the patients had been tested for HIV during pregnancy. The test was refused by 4.0 % of the women. Contrary to current guidelines, in more than half of the cases documentation of the test or the result was found in the women's prenatal care papers.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though a large majority of pregnant women are screened for HIV, the rates of testing need to be increased. Education of patients and providers as well as changing to the "opt-out" approach used in other countries may prevent unnecessary mother-to-child transmission of HIV.