Timing and completeness of routine testing for antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 among active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces

Abstract

Since 1985, the U.S. Armed Forces have conducted routine testing of personnel for antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Sera that remain after testing are archived in the Department of Defense serum repository for potential uses in medical surveillance, clinical, and research activities. The goal of this study was to document the timing and completeness of routine human immunodeficiency virus type 1 testing among active duty military personnel and to identify factors associated with more recent testing. Demographic characteristics for active duty personnel were obtained from the Defense Medical Surveillance System. Of all individuals on active duty on August 31, 2001 (N = 1,370,367), 98.6% had been tested. Older personnel, those with postgraduate degrees, and married personnel had the longest time intervals since their most recent tests. The results of this analysis may inform the planning and conduct of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 prevention programs as well as deployment-related or other surveillance activities.