Is HIV testing also performed during routine hospitalization?

Generally, routine inpatient admission does not require HIV testing as a mandatory examination. However, screening may be conducted under specific circumstances. If concerned, it is recommended to discuss with your doctor in advance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If a patient is scheduled for surgery, blood transfusion, organ transplantation, or invasive procedures, healthcare facilities commonly perform HIV screening. These procedures involve potential exposure to blood, and pre-procedure testing helps prevent cross-infection and ensures medical safety. Certain departments—such as obstetrics, infectious diseases, and emergency medicine—may include HIV testing as part of their standard protocol. For example, pregnant women are routinely screened to assess the risk of mother-to-child transmission, and trauma or emergency patients may be tested to rule out possible infection.

If a patient is hospitalized for common internal medical conditions without any of the aforementioned high-risk procedures, routine HIV testing is typically not required. However, if symptoms such as unexplained fever, sudden weight loss, or recurrent infections occur, or if there is a history of high-risk behaviors, physicians may recommend additional testing to determine the underlying cause. In special cases—for instance, when a patient is unconscious and unable to provide medical history—testing may be performed to rule out opportunistic infections.

If test results are abnormal during hospitalization, the hospital will initiate a confidential follow-up process and provide referral services. It is advisable to proactively inform your doctor about your personal health status so that you can jointly develop an individualized testing plan.