Rapid HIV Antibody Testing in the New York State Anonymous HIV Counseling and Testing Program

Abstract

Rapid testing presents a key opportunity to increase the number of people undergoing HIV testing and the proportion receiving their test results.

The Prevalence and Correlates of Receiving Confirmatory HIV Test Results Among Newly Diagnosed HIV-Positive Individuals at a Community-Based Testing Center

“…We found that 65% of individuals who received a positive rapid test or a positive ELISA test that was validated by a confirma- tory test returned for the results, which was somewhat lower than the rates reported in studies that were conducted in community-based testing sites, which ranged from 75% to 89% (Antonio-Gaddy et al, 2006;CDC, 2007;Guenter et al, 2008). We also found that citizenship status, housing status, and health insurance status were independently associated with receiving a confirmatory HIV test and returning for the results.…”

“…Prior studies have reported that between 50% and 100% of individuals who receive a reactive rapid HIV test take a confirmatory HIV test (Antonio-Gaddy et al, 2006;Begley et al, 2008;Brown et al, 2007;CDC, 2007;Guenter et al, 2008;Kelen et al, 1999) and between 49% and 100% of the individuals who receive a confirmatory HIV test return for the results (Antonio-Gaddy et al, 2006;Begley et al, 2008;Bucher et al, 2007;CDC, 2007;Delaney et al, 2011;Freeman, Sattin, Miller, Dias, & Wilde, 2009;Guenter et al, 2008, Kassler et al, 1997Spielberg et al, 2005). To date, no studies have examined the predictors of returning for confirmatory HIV test results.…”

“…Advances in laboratory assays, particularly "rapid tests," have facilitated an increase in the testing and detection of HIV infection, because rapid HIV tests enable individuals to receive their results during the same appointment as the sample collection. There is evidence that individuals who undergo rapid HIV testing are significantly more likely to receive their results than those who undergo the traditional HIV antibody ELISA test (Antonio-Gaddy et al, 2006;Guenter et al, 2008;Kassler, Dillon, Haley, Jones, & Goldman, 1997;Kelen, Shahan, Quinn, & The Project Educate Work Group, 1999;Lubelcheck et al, 2005;Spielberg et al, 2005;Wurcel, Zaman, Zhen, & Stone, 2005).…”

Implementation of Rapid HIV Testing Programs in Community and Outreach Settings: Perspectives from Staff at Eight Community-Based Organizations in Seven U.S. Cities

“…Other research suggests that the clients may also prefer rapid HIV testing to conventional HIV testing. 10,[19][20][21][22] Our findings highlight several issues that are important for CBOs to consider prior to implementing rapid HIV testing programs in community or outreach settings. CBOs need to plan for and ensure that staff members who will perform HIV counseling and rapid HIV testing receive appropriate training.…”

Time to roll out rapid testing for HIV? Yes, but with appropriate safeguards

“…11 However, the implementation of rapid testing in New York State in 2003 meant that 100% of those tested received their result and led to a 36% increase in testing over the previous year resulting in increased detection of previously undiagnosed HIV. 8 A further advantage of rapid HIV tests is that they are ideally suited to non-clinical or community settings, providing access to HIV testing to individuals who might not otherwise access clinical services for testing. Oral fluid sampling may confer added benefits to users over finger prick blood testing as it may be perceived as less invasive and is less painful.…”