Exceptions
Q.54 Should the infant be tested for HIV more frequently if breastfeeding with ARVs to 12 months or beyond?
Additional testing is not necessary, and instituting it may create a barrier to breastfeeding and other services; it may also not be cost effective. An additional test may be warranted if the child is unwell. The decision on how often to test the infant will be determined by national authorities and should reflect the availability of local HIV testing services and financial resources.
In general, testing schedules for infants of HIV-infected mothers should follow existing WHO guidance until more programmatic experience is available and reviewed. Testing is recommended for all HIV-exposed infants at 4–6 weeks of age or at the earliest opportunity thereafter, at around 9 months of age, and at about 18 months of age or older. Infants with signs or symptoms suggestive of HIV infection should be tested.