Using nonrapid HIV technology for routine, opt-out HIV screening in a high-volume urban emergency department.

Objective: We implement an opt-out routine screening program in a high-volume, urban emergency department (ED), using conventional (nonrapid) technology as an alternative to rapid HIV tests.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study. Since October 2008, all patients who visited Ben Taub General Hospital ED and had blood drawn were considered eligible for routine opt-out HIV screening.