The Importance of 4th Generation HIV Testing in an Urban Emergency Department.

Early Acute Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection (eAHI) diagnosis, via 4th generation testing methodology, presents an opportunity for earlier detection and immediate linkage to care for infected persons. We report on two patients with high-risk behaviors for HIV infection, presenting with atypical symptoms of eAHI in an urban Emergency Department (ED). This case report should raise the index of suspicion for HIV among ED physicians as well as underscore the importance of reducing HIV transmission through earlier detection.