Rapid HIV Tests Make Screening and Counseling Easier

Posted by Jamie Robertson Oct 19, 2008

Rapid HIV testing has had a huge impact on HIV testing services around the world. When HIV tests have to be sent to labs, patients have to spend weeks wondering about their testing results. Understandably, this causes a lot of anxiety for patients. In developing countries, many patients live miles away from the closest testing facility and do not have reliable transportation. Many never return to collect their results from the clinic.

With rapid testing, providers can counsel patients, perform the test, and provide the results in the same session. This not only cuts back on patient anxiety, but allows the provider to ensure that the patient is provided with proper information from start to finish. Patients are only required to make one trip to the clinic to receive the test and results and only need to return if follow-up is required.

To learn more about rapid HIV testing please see Rapid Screening Tests for HIV.