What happens to positive HIV test results before they are sent to the CDC?

Positive HIV test results must be compiled by state health departments and stripped of all personal identifying information before they are sent to the CDC. This process ensures confidentiality and protects the privacy of individuals who undergo HIV testing.

The de-identification of data is a critical step in public health reporting as it allows for accurate tracking of trends and the assessment of public health interventions without compromising individual privacy. By collecting aggregated data and removing personal identifiers, health departments can provide the CDC with valuable information regarding HIV prevalence, incidence, and associated demographics while still adhering to privacy laws.

This practice supports both effective public health policy development and respect for individual rights, making it essential in the management and research of HIV/AIDS.