[Screening for notification of seropositivity: ethical and psychological aspects]

HIV testing can be generated either by the physician or by the patient. In all cases it should be integrated in a comprehensive approach of the patient and his history. This consultation will allow to give preventive recommendations--if the test is negative--and will help patient management-if the test is positive--in the setting of a good relationship aiming to offer the best medical, psychological and social follow-up to the patient. In this context it appears that pre-counselling should be systematically provided. The reasons for asking the test should be carefully analyzed. The pre and post-counselling should be used to try to improve preventive measures. On the other hand these first consultations should allow to detect and manage the psychological impact in case of seropositivity.