American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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What is the primary goal of diagnosing acute HIV infection more efficiently with the fourth-generation HIV test?

To improve treatment side effects
To detect infection earlier
To reduce healthcare costs
To eliminate the need for follow-up testing

The correct answer is: To detect infection earlier

The primary goal of diagnosing acute HIV infection more efficiently with the fourth-generation HIV test is to detect infection earlier. Fourth-generation tests are designed to identify both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen, the latter of which appears soon after HIV infection occurs. By detecting the virus at an earlier stage, healthcare providers can initiate treatment and counseling sooner, which can significantly improve patient outcomes, reduce the risk of transmission, and allow for timely interventions. Detecting HIV early is crucial because it enables more effective management of the virus and helps prevent complications associated with advanced HIV disease or AIDS. Additionally, early diagnosis can encourage individuals to make lifestyle changes that further reduce the risk of transmission. While aspects like reducing healthcare costs, improving treatment side effects, and eliminating the need for follow-up testing may be relevant considerations, they are secondary to the primary purpose of expediting diagnosis through earlier detection of HIV.