HIV screening by the tri-service surgical specialties

A 32-year-old HIV-positive black female underwent 70 days of intensive care after she developed acute fatty liver disease of pregnancy. During her hospitalization, multiple invasive procedures were performed on this patient and many residents, staff, nurses, and technicians were exposed to her body secretions. The patient was identified as HIV positive on a routine screen and denied any risk factors for AIDS. This case served as a catalyst to assess current screening efforts in the military for HIV. A questionnaire was distributed to OB/GYN, general surgery, and urology programs throughout the Army, Navy, and Air Force and the results are presented and discussed.