How Useful is Universal Screening for HIV Infection? A Review of the Evidence

Our objective is to describe the current evidence for universal HIV screening in terms of the cost–effectiveness, acceptance rates and number of new positives identified. The available data demonstrate that universal HIV screening is cost-effective, in terms of quality-adjusted life years gained, increase in life expectancy of infected individuals and in reduced HIV transmission rates; and acceptable in healthcare settings based on acceptance (7–99%) and seropositivity (0–2%) rates. Specific studies are needed that address many of the other intended outcomes of universal screening programs, such as reducing number of missed opportunities, increased linkage to care and earlier disease stage detection. Also, additional studies with direct comparisons between universal and targeted testing are necessary to provide greater evidence for where either testing approach may be best implemented.