Human Immuno Deficiency Virus

Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV)

The Society of Assisted Reproductive Technologists (SART) recommends that you be screened for HIV (AIDS), Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis (RPR), blood type and Rh, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea prior to any Assisted Reproductive Technologies Procedures (IVF, GIFT, ZIFT). HIV testing is also an added precaution to our patients as well as to our staff. If you are sero-positive for HIV, you will not be excluded from treatment in our office. You should, however, advise anyone who may come in contact with your blood or other body fluids (urine, semen, etc.) of your positive HIV status so appropriate infection control precautions can be reinforced.

HIV testing screens for the presence of antibodies to the HIV virus in the blood, not for the actual virus. You should be aware that there is a possibility of false positive and false negative results in the testing. Therefore, all individuals who test sero-positive will be re-tested to confirm the results. You should also be aware that it is NOT possible to predict the development of AIDS from a positive HIV test alone.

Although the American Disabilities Act protects individuals from the loss of employment or insurance due to positive HIV results, the possibility still exists that a sero-positive individual may incur a loss of insurance or employment if the insurer or employer becomes aware of the results. We will make every effort to keep the results of this test confidential unless we are required to release the results in response to legal proceedings.