Rapid HIV testing in a clinic setting

Abstract

The aim of this audit was to review the use of a rapid HIV test in a genitourinary (GU) clinic setting. The rapid test was used selectively on patients mainly deemed to be from high-risk groups with risk behaviours. In total, 120 tests were carried out on 90 patients of whom 18 (20%) were HIV positive, including six who had tested positive previously. Eleven (61.1%) of the positive tests were direct referrals from the GU clinic. The vast majority of those tested resided in the local area. Rapid HIV testing can be undertaken on selected patients in a GU clinic setting provided appropriate support is available for those patients who test positive.