Opt-in and opt-out tests

In many healthcare settings, people are offered an HIV test on an 'opt-out' basis. This simply means that the healthcare worker suggests that it would be good idea to take a test, and that it will be carried out unless the patient asks for it not to be done.

Patients can refuse consent for an HIV test, just as they can for other investigations and treatments.

An 'opt-in' test simply means that patients need to specifically ask to have an HIV test themselves. Nonetheless healthcare workers may still discuss the benefits of testing, or make patients aware that tests are available.

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.