Endoscopy in the age of HIV: a study of current practices and attitudes

Gastroenterologists are frequently asked to perform a variety of endoscopic procedures in patients with AIDS. A study published 6 years ago concluded that costly and inefficient practices resulted from anxiety about transmitting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to endoscopic personnel. We re-examined, by means of a questionnaire mailed to 200 program directors in gastroenterology, the perceived risk of acquiring HIV infection via endoscopy. Although the perception of risk had not changed, the level of concern was relatively low and endoscopic personnel were less reluctant than previously to be involved with such patients. Notwithstanding, protective garments were used two to seven times more often when the patient was known to be HIV-positive.