Hawai‘i State Department of Health

Frequently Asked Questions about HIV/AIDS Surveillance

What is HIV Infection and AIDS?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection represents the early clinical stage of a viral disease that causes severe, progressive damage to the immune system. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) represents the late clinical stage of infection with HIV. AIDS is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an HIV infection with one or more of 26 AIDS-defining conditions (opportunistic infections, cancers), or a CD4+ T-lymphocyte count <200 per microliter or CD4 cell percent of lymphocytes of <14%. HIV infection can last for many years without symptoms or the development of AIDS.

Is AIDS a Reportable Condition in Hawai‘i?
Yes. Physicians and other health care providers are required to report AIDS cases by name. AIDS is reportable by name in all states and territories of the United States. However, reports to CDC are sent without names or any other personal identifiers.

Is HIV Infection, without AIDS, Reportable in Hawai‘i?
Yes. HIV infection became reportable by name from March 2008. Providers will no longer report HIV cases using the Unnamed Test Code (UTC).

Do Laboratories Need to Report HIV and CD4 Test Results?
Yes. Any confirmative HIV positive test result, all levels of HIV viral load test results and all levels of CD4 test results are required to report by name to the Department of Health. These include: 1) A confirmatory HIV Western blot result or HIV-IFA; 2) Detectable and undetectable HIV viral load (NASBA, RT PCR, bDNA, others) 3) Positive HIV detection test (HIV+ culture, antigen, PCR, DNA or RNA probe); 4) Other test(s) indicative of HIV as defined by the CDC. 5) Results of CD4 T-lymphocyte count and percent.

What Program Receives HIV and AIDS Reports?
HIV and AIDS cases are reportable in a highly confidential manner to the Hawai‘i HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program. Completed case report forms should be sent to the HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program with "Confidential" marked on envelope and addressed to 3627 Kilauea Avenue, Suite 306, Honolulu, HI 96816, or call directly to (808) 733-4079.

Are HIV and AIDS Case Reports Information Kept Confidential?
Yes. Reports of HIV and AIDS cases are kept under the strictest confidence and privacy protection, on a double password-protected computer not connected to a network or the internet, in locked files, in a locked secured room with keypad limited access. All staff are trained in confidentiality and privacy protection, and must sign a statement of understanding and agreement before starting employment.

When should HIV Infection and AIDS be Reported?
Cases should be reported as soon as possible after diagnosis of HIV or AIDS as required by the State's regulations.

Where can I Get Assistance, more Information, and Case Report Forms?
To receive assistance to report cases and to answer any questions, please contact the "Hawai‘i HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program", 3627 Kilauea Avenue, Suite 306, Honolulu, HI 96816, Tel: (808) 733-4079. Reporting forms are available for download.

Last update: April 5, 2010