Reasonable Hypothesis SOP [1] | 5 of 2019 |
Balance of Probabilities SOP [2] | 6 of 2019 |
SOP Bulletin 206 [3]
This SOP covers the spectrum of HIV infection, from asymptomatic infection to full blown AIDS.
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.
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.
Links
[1] http://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2019/005.pdf
[2] http://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2019/006.pdf
[3] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/SOP%20Bulletin%20206.pdf