Human immunodeficiency virus blood test counseling for adolescents

Primary care physicians are increasingly being called on to provide counseling about human immunodeficiency virus blood testing to their patients. When the patient is an adolescent, special considerations arise. Risk assessment and test counseling for adolescents should be embedded in comprehensive assessment of the adolescent's health needs. The adolescent's coping ability, capacity to give informed consent, and legal status also affect the blood test counseling process. Repetition, visual demonstrations, and an assessment of the adolescent's comprehension are also important. Use of an identified support person is also recommended. Physicians should be aware of the ways in which human immunodeficiency virus blood test counseling should vary for adolescent patients.