False HIV Result Highlights Gaps in Georgia Urgent-Care Communication
In DeKalb County, Georgia, a teen’s HIV-positive result from Pickens Urgent Care was later determined to be a false positive, and the clinic never notified the family, who learned of the result from the teen’s MyChart portal. The ordeal led to a near suicide attempt and months of distress before multiple other facilities’ tests all came back negative. The CDC recommends direct, confidential communication of positive HIV results and immediate linkage to follow-up care, counseling and support. Investigations also found inconsistent follow-up scheduling at the clinic, and there is no state-level regulatory body specifically overseeing urgent-care centers in Georgia; the clinic finally reached out after Channel 2 Action News inquiries. The mother hopes the case prompts stronger safeguards to prevent similar harm to other teens.
