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HIV Counseling and Testing |
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Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) for HIV is internationally recognized as an effective, important strategy for both prevention and care. Research has found it to be a cost-effective strategy for facilitating behavior change, and it is an important entry point for care and support for those who test positive. These findings have boosted interest and support for VCT as a valuable component of comprehensive HIV/AIDS programming.
Pre-Test Counseling Counseling before HIV antibody testing may include providing reading materials before clients enter a group or private session with a counselor or doctor. Clients may be asked why they want to be tested. The counselor will also ask what it is about their behavior that think may put them at risk for HIV infection. If testing is warranted, the counselor or doctor should:
Testing Depending on the type of test used, either a small amount of blood will be drawn from the client's arm or a swab will be used to scrape cells from the inside of the cheek for an oral test. The time it takes to get results will vary by the type of test and the area. The ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) has been the main screening test since HIV antibody testing became available in 1985. It can be performed quickly and easily. If there is a reactive result (so-called "positive"), the test is repeated to check it. If an ELISA produces two reactive results, a second test such as the Western blot is used to confirm the results. The Western blot is more specific and takes longer to perform than the ELISA. Together the two tests are 99.9 percent accurate. Negative Result A negative result means that no HIV antibodies were found in the blood or saliva (depending on which test is used). This condition is called seronegative and means the client is not infected with HIV—though it does NOT mean he or she is immune to HIV. HIV-negative clients should be encouraged to practice safer sex and other behaviors that will protect against HIV infection. Indeterminate Result Sometimes test results are unclear. The lab cannot tell whether they are positive or negative, even if the test has been performed correctly. If this happens, the client should discuss it with his or her counselor or doctor and, if appropriate, be tested again. Positive Result A positive test result means antibodies to HIV were found in the blood or saliva. This means the client has HIV infection. This condition is called HIV-positive, or seropositive. It is likely the client will develop AIDS, but no one can say for sure when that will happen. About half of untreated people with HIV develop AIDS within 10 years after infection. But prompt medical care can delay the onset of AIDS and prevent related life-threatening conditions. If your test result is positive, you should:
From the standpoint of VCT services, counseling and testing:
Related FHI publications Integrating Family Planning Services into Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centers in Kenya: Operations Research Results (2007) Fact sheet: Voluntary Counseling and Testing for HIV (2006)
Related News FHI and PSI Support PEPFAR-sponsored VCT Workshop FEBRUARY 2008 — With support from the PEPFAR Counseling and Testing Technical Working Group, Population Services International (PSI) and Family Health International sponsored an international workshop on HIV counseling and testing. Held in Lusaka, Zambia, Jan. 22-24, the workshop's purpose was to disseminate technical updates, share best practices and approaches, and develop a consensus about research, policies, and guidelines needed to scale up counseling and testing to achieve universal access. |
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