Earlier diagnosis and entry to care are associated with better prognosis and survival.(Among HIV-infected persons with CD4+ cell counts of 201--350 cells/µL, initiating antiretroviral therapy was associated with reduced mortality, compared with delaying such therapy until <200 cells/µL ) Late testing results in missed opportunities for preventing HIV infections. During the time between HIV infection and diagnosis, infected persons can
transmit HIV to others when they engage in practices that put their partners at risk.
HIV transmission could be reduced by increasing awareness of HIV status through early testing. Knowledge of HIV serostatus promotes adoption of safer sexual practices.