AF Form 3844: HIV Testing Notification – Download PDF

AF Form 3844: HIV Testing Notification – Download PDF – AF Form 3844, officially titled HIV Testing Notification, is a key U.S. Air Force form used to notify service members of required HIV testing. It supports the Department of the Air Force’s comprehensive HIV program, which focuses on routine screening, prevention, early detection, and force readiness.

Air Force personnel (active duty, reserve, and certain other categories) receive this form as part of mandatory testing protocols. Understanding AF Form 3844 helps ensure compliance with health surveillance requirements while protecting individual privacy and readiness.

What Is AF Form 3844?

AF Form 3844 is the HIV Testing Notification Form. It formally informs eligible Air Force members that they must undergo HIV antibody screening. The form includes:

• Part 1: Completed by the notifying authority (e.g., ADAPT program manager, medical staff, or public health) to document the requirement and provide the member with instructions.
• Part 2: Completed by laboratory personnel after the blood specimen is collected, confirming the testing process.

The form is referenced in AFI 44-178, Human Immunodeficiency Virus Program (and related guidance under AFMAN 48-105 / AFI 48-105 for disease surveillance). It works alongside other forms such as:

• AF Form 1762 (HIV Log/Specimen Transmittal)
• AF Form 3845 (Preventive Medicine Counseling Record, used for positive results)
• AF Form 74 (for commander notification of confirmed positives)

Download the official AF Form 3844 PDF here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_sg/form/af3844/af3844.pdf

Note: Always use the latest version from the official Air Force e-Publishing site (e-publishing.af.mil) for compliance. The form originated as an AF IMT (Information Management Tool) version released in 1994 and remains in use for standardized notification.

Why Does the Air Force Require HIV Testing?

The U.S. Air Force conducts HIV screening to:

• Protect force health and readiness.
• Detect infections early for treatment and counseling.
• Prevent transmission within the military community.
• Comply with DoD and Air Force policies on identification, surveillance, and administration of personnel with HIV.

Routine screening schedule (per historical AFI 44-178 guidance):

• Active Duty Air Force (ADAF) personnel: Every 2 years, preferably integrated with the Preventive Health Assessment (PHA).
• Air Reserve Component (ARC): Every 2 years during PHA, and within 2 years before certain active duty periods (30+ days).
• Additional testing triggers: Upon accession (basic training), diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), entry into drug/alcohol treatment (ADAPT), pregnancy, active tuberculosis, pre-incarceration, or as clinically indicated.

Recent data (2024–mid-2025) shows low seropositivity rates in the Air Force: approximately 0.13 per 1,000 tested among active component members and 0.17 per 1,000 among reservists, reflecting effective screening and prevention efforts.

Important: HIV testing in the military is not voluntary for required screenings. However, the program emphasizes education, confidentiality (subject to military medical privacy rules and HIPAA where applicable), and support for those who test positive.

Who Uses AF Form 3844?

• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) Program: Managers provide the form to members entering treatment.
• Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs) and Public Health: For routine PHA-linked testing or clinically indicated screens.
• Laboratory staff: To document specimen collection.
• Commanders and providers: In the broader HIV program workflow, including follow-up for positives.

Family members and non-DoD beneficiaries generally follow civilian consent rules and are not subject to mandatory military HIV testing.

How the AF Form 3844 Process Works?

1. Notification — The member receives AF Form 3844 with clear instructions on where and when to report for testing (usually the MTF laboratory).
2. Specimen Collection — The member presents the form at the lab. Laboratory personnel draw the blood sample and complete Part 2 of the form.
3. Testing — Samples are processed according to standardized DoD/Air Force protocols, often involving initial screening followed by confirmatory tests if needed. Results route through secure systems like the Defense Medical Surveillance System.
4. Results & Follow-Up — Negative results are typically routine. Positive results trigger confidential notification by a credentialed provider, counseling (documented on AF Form 3845), medical evaluation, and commander notification via AF Form 74. Positive results are not finalized until proper notification is confirmed.

The entire process prioritizes privacy and dignity while meeting operational needs.

Privacy, Counseling, and Support

The Air Force HIV program includes strong protections:

• Results are handled with strict confidentiality.
• Positive cases receive medical evaluation (historically at specialized centers like SAMMC) and preventive medicine counseling.
• Commanders receive limited notification only as required for readiness and follow preventive medicine orders.
• Epidemiological investigations may occur for contact notification (spouses and other at-risk eligible individuals can receive voluntary testing and counseling).

Service members with HIV receive treatment, education on prevention, and support to maintain health and career where possible. Policies on deployability, retention, and enlistment standards have evolved over time and remain subject to DoD guidance.

Tips for Air Force Personnel

• Stay current — Keep your Preventive Health Assessment (PHA) up to date and track your last HIV test date.
• Bring the form — Always present AF Form 3844 when directed to the laboratory.
• Ask questions — Use the notification process as an opportunity to discuss HIV prevention, risk reduction, and available resources with your provider.
• Download from official sources — Use the link provided above or e-publishing.af.mil to ensure you have the correct, current form.
• For supervisors/leaders — Ensure personnel understand the importance of compliance for individual and unit readiness.

Related Resources:

• Air Force e-Publishing (official forms and instructions)
• Military Health System (health.mil) for broader HIV screening data
• Your local MTF Public Health or ADAPT program for questions

Conclusion

AF Form 3844 HIV Testing Notification is a straightforward but essential administrative tool in the Air Force’s effort to maintain a healthy, ready force through proactive HIV screening. By understanding its purpose and process, service members can approach required testing with confidence, knowing it supports both personal health and mission effectiveness.

For the most current policy details, refer to official Air Force instructions on e-publishing.af.mil and consult your medical provider or chain of command. Early detection and modern treatment options allow most individuals to manage HIV effectively while continuing to serve where policies permit.

This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available Air Force publications and surveillance data. Always verify with official sources for your specific situation, as policies can be updated.