AIDS Questionnaire

AIDS questions should be asked in all case histories. If the electrologist do not have, at a minimum, a basic AIDS screening test in the electrologist case history, the electrologist run a serious risk to all the electrologist patients' health and welfare, but the electrologist also endanger the electrologist’s self and loved ones. The most serious consequences can result if the electrologist is careless about treating without surgical gloves. Always use proper personal protective equipment!  

Listed below are basic AIDS questions. Always use common sense and remember not to panic the electrologist patient by making rash judgments or statements.  

      Have the patient had a recent weight loss without dieting? Unexplained weight loss without diet or exercise is a symptom of AIDS. Use common sense, however, and rule out recent surgery or other medical or    psychological condition that might cause weight loss. 

      
Any long-term diarrhea? 

The cause of diarrhea should be ruled out, for example flu or food poisoning.

       Cold sweats? Cold sweats, particularly night sweats, along with long-term diarrhea and unexplainable weight loss, are indicators of AIDS. As the electrologist go through the history have a calm approach and relaxed manner, especially when completing this part of the history.

      
Loss of appetite? 
Another symptom of AIDS; however, remember to ask if they might have an ulcer or other problem.

      A feeling of malaise or tiredness all the time?

These are classic symptoms, but the electrologist must eliminate work-related stress or depression, or chronic fatigue syndrome. Remember not to jump to conclusions.

      Blood transfusion in the last five years?

Most patients who require a blood transfusion from loss of blood due to severe anemia, surgery and injury are screened for AIDS. If the patient does not appear healthy, then ask that they get a blood test or a letter from their physician stating they are free of AIDS and other contagious diseases.

     
Wounds that do not heal well?
This is a symptom of AIDS. Document and rule out other medical conditions such as diabetes.

      
Drug abuse or I.V. drug use? Never work on a patient who the electrologist suspect is using drugs, whether inhaled, ingested or used intravenously. The risk of AIDS is very high in drug abusers due to their lack of personal hygiene and multiple sex partners. Take some simple precautions if the patient’s profile and symptoms are suspicious. Ask to look at the hair on their arms as part of the electrologist evaluation of their overall hair problem. Look for needle marks (tracks) or any unnatural appearing skin condition. Be discreet and make the electrologist’s inspection appear to be part of the overall examination. If a patient states he or she has used drugs in the past but no longer uses them, the electrologist can work on them after the electrologist receive a letter from their doctor documenting that their AIDS test is negative and which states that they have no contagious disease. (Remember, with AIDS, there is a "window period" during which patients may not test positive.)  The electrologist must use discretion when completing this part of the case history.  Do not state that the electrologist is completing an AIDS screening until done.  And do not forget that Hepatitis B and C is also commonly found among drug addicts

     
Does the patient have AIDS or is the patient HIV positive? This may sound redundant, but I put this question at the end of the questionnaire for a reason.  Asking this question shows the electrologist care and interest in the electrologist patients' welfare.  Every patient I have asked felt good about the AIDS questionnaire and are pleased that I took precautions for their safety and mine. AIDS is an equal opportunity disease, which can strike any electrologist who does not properly screen his or her patients. AIDS is preventable and the electrologist is taking great risks with a disease that gives no second chance.

COAGULATION DISORDERS  

Coagulation Disorders - The next question on the list is, "Do the electrologist have any blood disorders or hemophilia?"  If the answer is yes, the electrologist cannot work on these patients without the express written permission of a doctor. I would not work on a patient with hemophilia because the risk is just too great. Also, ask patients about their use of medication such as beta-blockers, which dilate the blood vessels.  These medications can result in bruising, excessive bleeding and abnormal blood disorders.    

Other coagulation disorders can be brought under control by certain medications, for example beta-blockers, heart medications and anti-hypertensive medication that dilate the capillaries, veins and arteries. These medications can lead to extremely sensitive skin, which can result in bruising and bleeding. It is imperative that the electrologist thoroughly record medications taken by the electrologist patient and keep the electrologist patient information updated and current.  Professional electrologists do not take chances with their patients' health.  

When recording unfamiliar medication on the case history, always refer to the electrologist Merck manual for medical conditions and a Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) for side effects of prescribed medications.  

Coagulation Disorders below:

Does the patient take anticoagulant/or coagulants? 
Write "yes" or "no"

      "yes," what medical condition? 
State condition

      The physician(s) who prescribes these medications 
This information should be listed in the first page and here.

      What specific medications does the patient take? 
List medication and dosage.