Testing Model Resources

THE CHALLENGE

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 33 Million people are living with HIV/AIDS
The vast majority of positive people worldwide are unaware of their HIV status.
9.7 Million people are in urgent need of lifesaving antiretroviral treatment (ART) today.
Less than 3 Million people have access to ART today, leaving more than 6 Million to become sick and die.
Traditional VCT models are inadequate and inefficient to provide the testing volume to reach global demand.

Training Modules

As more Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) begin to assist in our global testing efforts, the need for quality training of field staff increases. In response to the anticipated need, AHF has combined the best practices in HIV testing and trainings based off of CDC, WHO and US DHS recommendations and condensed the information into a 1-day training that can be adapted to suit the needs of each community.

Designed to be universally applicable, the curriculum is split into 5 modules containing general information about HIV transmission and prevention, group facilitation, rapid testing processes, tailored to the approved algorithm in each country and disclosure of test results. In addition, a regional supplement is offered, detailing legal issues and cultural considerations faced by those performing testing services in those individual parts the world. Participants from each country will also receive information regarding medical referrals for those who test positive.

These modules are for use individually or as a whole in PDF format. (You will need Adobe Reader to view the following modules).

Module 1 – Overview of HIV Infection & Integration of Group Education in Rapid Testing Settings:

Provides an HIV 101, offering information on transmission & prevention. Module 1 also explains the need for testing services and group facilitation.

Module 2 – Overview of HIV Testing Technologies and Algorithms:

Discussion of the different types of rapid tests in use, how to interpret results, and the importance of following the specified algorithm to determine a client’s status.

Module 3 – Assuring the Quality of HIV Rapid Testing and Site Safety:

Identifying and avoiding common errors that may affect the tests ability to accurately provide a test result, how to maintain a safe working environment while dealing with potentially infectious fluids and contaminated equipment.

Module 4 – Preparation for Testing:

Provides guidance on equipment and documentation used in an HIV test site. Emphasizes record keeping for the purposes of statistics and quality assurance.

Module 5 – Blood Collection – Fingerprick and Running the Tests:

Explains and demonstrates the fingerprick process, how to perform and read a rapid test and integrating the algorithm process. Also during this module are practice sessions and a certification examination.