Current RMA Instruments
| Reasonable Hypothesis SOP | 5 of 2019 |
| Balance of Probabilities SOP | 6 of 2019 |
Changes from previous Instruments
ICD Coding
- ICD-9-CM Codes: 042, 795.71, V08
- ICD-10-AM Codes: B20, B21, B22, B23, B24, Z21
Brief description
This SOP covers the spectrum of HIV infection, from asymptomatic infection to full blown AIDS.
Confirming the diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on blood testing (serology/immunoassay or testing for HIV RNA). A variety of tests can be performed but combination HIV antigen and antibody tests together with a HIV-1/HIV-2 differentiation immunoassay is the current preferred approach.
The relevant medical specialist is an infectious diseases physician.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
- AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)
- HIV 1 infection
- HIV 2 infection
Clinical onset
A significant proportion of patients with HIV infection will be initially asymptomatic. Some develop non-specific symptoms such as fever, sore throat, rash, myalgia/arthralgia, diarrhoea, and headache at the time of acute infection. First evidence of the infection may be from a screening blood test.
Clinical worsening
With currently available antiretroviral medications the condition can be well controlled in most patients. Untreated, the condition will progress through an asymptomatic phase to a symptomatic phase to AIDS and eventually death.