title: AIDS antibody tests on inpatient psychiatric units.
abstract: An antibody test for the causative virus of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) became commercially available in 1985. The author discusses the use of the AIDS antibody test on inpatient psychiatric units. She reviews the controversial legal and ethical questions related to its use, addressing such questions as Who should be tested for the AIDS antibody? When and to whom should the results of the test be disclosed? and How should the doctrine of "right to privacy" be balanced with the "duty to warn"?
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002140:California; D002961:Civil Rights; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005239:Fear; D033161:Government Regulation; D006678:HIV / Q000276:immunology; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007159:Immunologic Tests; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral