Outcomes of Blood and Oral Fluid Rapid HIV Testing: A Literature Review, 2000–2006

Abstract

Rapid HIV antibody testing is a new technology whose implementation promises to facilitate the early detection of persons with HIV/AIDS. The goal of this study was to review and summarize the literature from 2000-2006 regarding four outcomes of rapid (including both blood and oral fluid) HIV testing: rates of client acceptance; rates of clients' receiving their test results; rates of entry into medical care for those found to be HIV positive; and the efficacy of prevention counseling after testing. A total of 116 studies in peer-reviewed journals were screened. Twenty-six met the screening criteria (published in peer-reviewed journals and focused on at least one of the outcomes of interest) and were selected for review. Considerable variation was found in client acceptance rates with the highest rates among pregnant women in labor and delivery units and the lowest rates in needle exchange and bath-house settings. The evidence shows that most persons tested with a rapid test receive their test result. Three studies on entry into medical care among those who were newly identified HIV positive found rates of 47%, 82%, and 97% of clients adhering to their first medical appointment. No long-term medical follow-up studies were found. Only one study examined the efficacy of prevention counseling after rapid testing and found no statistically significant differences in the number of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) conventional versus rapid HIV testers contracted following testing.

HIV Screening Among U.S. Physicians, 1999–2000

“…Furthermore, given the more widespread use of oral and blood-based rapid HIV testing 34 the proportion of U.S. physicians offering HIV screening may have increased since these data were collected. Also, we did not specifically question providers about routine HIV screening among their patients.…”

Community-Based Rapid Oral Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing for Tuberculosis Patients in Lima, Peru

“…21,22 Community-based models have been shown to extend the reach of rapid testing by targeting at-risk (e.g., drug users, homosexual and bisexual populations, and/or commercial sex workers) and hard to access populations. [23][24][25] In a variety of resource-rich community settings, offering these services in mobile units has increased the rates of testing uptake among high-risk populations 26,27 and the percentage of people receiving results along with post-test counseling. 28 In a study conducted in Spain, the use of free rapid testing in urban areas identified a high (23.5%) HIV prevalence among men from Latin America who had not completed elementary school, a group that may be less likely to receive testing at a health clinic.…”

HIV Testing Preferences Among Young Men of Color Who Have Sex With Men

“…7 To advance HIV prevention efforts in the United States, prevention programs must reduce unrecognized infection among young MSM by increasing the demand for and availability of HIV testing. 7 In an effort to increase 12 Several studies assessing acceptance rates for rapid testing technology have revealed rates upwards of 65%. [13][14][15] Focus group data from Black adults showed that although the rapid test was preferred over traditional HIV testing as a result of the shorter Objectives.…”