Military HIV Testing Policy: Entry, Periodic, and Deployment Screening

The U.S. military mandates **universal HIV screening**:

• Accession: All applicants tested at MEPS. Positive = disqualified (waiver rare, non-deployable).
• Periodic: Minimum every 2 years (DoDI 6485.01).
• Deployment: Within 12 months pre-deployment; post-deployment if exposure risk.
• Clinical indication: STI diagnosis, needlestick, sexual assault, symptomatic.

Test Algorithm

1. 4th-gen Ag/Ab combo (detects p24 antigen + antibodies; window ~2–4 wks).
2. If reactive → confirmatory differentiation assay (Geenius, HIV-1/2 Ab).
3. If indeterminate → HIV RNA PCR (viral load).

Consequences of Positive Result

• Non-deployable status.
• Referral to ID/HIV specialty clinic (ART initiation per DHHS guidelines).
• Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) → retention determination (often retained if controlled).
• Partner notification (public health).
• Security clearance review.

Confidentiality & Support

• Results in medical record (HIPAA-covered).
• Command notified only of deployment limitation, not diagnosis (per DoD policy).
• Military OneSource, VA, TRICARE cover care.

Early detection = early treatment = preserved health + career options. Testing protects the force and the individual.