More Support for Rapid HIV Testing

After rapid HIV testing was introduced in New York, more clients were tested — and more received their results — than when only standard HIV testing was available.

Evidence continues to mount supporting the use of rapid versus conventional HIV testing. In this study, investigators evaluated data from New York’s publicly funded Anonymous HIV Counseling and Testing Program, which started offering rapid testing at all 61 of its sites in 2003. To determine whether the availability of rapid testing changed the number of HIV tests performed and the percentage of clients who received their results, investigators compared site-specific data from the first 6 months of rapid testing with site-specific data from the same period in 2002. They also surveyed clients about their preferences for testing and assessed counselors’ comfort and proficiency with rapid testing.

After rapid HIV testing was implemented, the to…

Reviewing Author

Carlos del Rio, MD

More Support for Rapid HIV Testing

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