The survey asked each respondent to estimate how frequently patient consent for HIV testing is obtained, how frequently consent is documented in the patient record, and how frequently adequate risk reduction counseling is performed in conjunction with HIV testing. Responses obtained from 124 U. S. ID hospitals (62 percent) indicated that consent for HIV antibody testing is obtained 70.1 percent of the time, that consent is both obtained and documented 54.3 percent of the time and that risk reduction counseling in conjunction with such testing is provided 51.4 percent of the time. Responses obtained from 133 Minnesota hospitals (78 percent) showed that consent for HIV antibody testing is obtained 35.2 percent of the time, that consent is both obtained and documented 25.7 percent of the time, and that risk reduction counseling in conjunction with such testing is provided 21.8 percent of the time. Wide variance was observed in both U.S. and Minnesota hospital responses. U.S. hospitals serving a higher number of persons with AIDS gave higher estimates for each of the three items. Similar findings were notes among Minnesota hospitals. Data suggest that standard clinical use of HIV testing is deficient. 45 references, 2 tables, and 2 figures (Author abstract modified)