Informed consent for HIV testing must include which of the following?

Informed consent for HIV testing is a critical component of ethical healthcare practice, ensuring that individuals are fully aware of what the testing entails and the implications of their participation.

The correct answer emphasizes that informed consent must encompass both knowledge of results being shared and an understanding of potential risks associated with the testing.

Knowledge of results being shared is essential because individuals need to be aware that their test results will potentially be communicated to medical professionals and may be factored into public health reporting. This transparency helps patients make an informed decision about whether to proceed with testing.

Understanding potential risks is equally important, as it empowers individuals to consider the emotional and psychological implications of receiving a positive or negative diagnosis. It includes awareness of how their personal information is handled and the possible social stigma attached to an HIV-positive status.

By requiring individuals to be informed about both the sharing of results and the risks involved, the process ensures that they can make a voluntary and informed decision regarding their health. This dual requirement helps to protect patient autonomy and supports ethical standards in healthcare practices related to sensitive medical testing.