HIV testing and transient dialysis. A study undertaken by the Council of Nephrology Social Workers National Kidney...

A good summation response came from one Southwest facility: "We can't demand a test, but we request it. We haven't had a positive transient yet, but we couldn't legally turn them away...besides, it wouldn't seem right. We've talked about it, even where our own patients are concerned, and we're scared. Even though we use universal precautions, we know we'd treat a positive (HIV) patient differently. We'll have to face it sooner or later." Unfortunately, it appears that such anxieties are frequently leading to testing and subsequent discriminatory barriers. It is important that nephrology organizations continue to advocate for patients' rights and against unfair and prejudicial practices. Realistically, however, individual health care providers and patients are the ones who must risk challenging the system. Social workers are particularly mandated to become involved in this process through ongoing education and discussion and persistent questioning of HIV testing policies.