How does the Hotline support rapid HIV testing in labor and delivery units?

The Hotline is designated by law to receive reports of preliminary positive rapid HIV tests on pregnant people and newborns in labor and delivery units in Illinois. Through real-time reporting, the Hotline can ensure medical consultation to help prevent transmission of HIV. Additionally, the Hotline can dispatch an enhanced case manager to the hospital to provide the patient with support during the time between the preliminary positive test and the confirmatory result. For confirmed positive patients, the enhanced case manager will coordinate all follow-up postpartum HIV care for the birth parent and the exposed infant and address all social service needs.