[Informed consent for HIV diagnostic tests: what to do in case of minors]

AIDS is a clinical picture related to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. In the last 20 years this infection has spread progressively, with approximately 2.4 million children under 15 years old now infected. The HIV antibody test is generally used to reveal the infection. In most European countries the test is voluntary; in Italy, implementation of the test is now regulated by Law 135/90. Art. 5 of the law states that the test is voluntary while informed consent is obligatory. However, nothing is stated concerning the child's consent. By contrast, other Italian laws (e.g., Law 194/78, Law 194/96 and DPR 309/90) establish that the physician should only accept the wishes of minors after first appraising the maturity of the child and his/her age. Physicians must inform the minor about testing risks, about the meaning of its result, and about the most important aspects of sexual education.. They may then decide to inform the parents if they feel that the child would be unable to take future decisions in the event of a positive HIV antibody test.