Neobook — clinical reference

Prior to testing collect relevant equipment

Identify patient and ensure that they are pre-test counselled and agree to the test. In the case of children, identify the caregiver(s) to get consent for this testing after pre-test counselling.

All patients can be tested with a rapid HIV test to either screen for HIV or assess exposure to HIV if <18 months of age. Rapid testing is usually done in parallel i.e. two Rapid HIV tests of different types are used concurrently as opposed to doing one after another in series.

Prior to testing collect relevant equipment

Do NOT mix the buffers/diluent

Correct buffer/diluent for correct kit from different manufacturers as they are NOT interchangeable

If two or more lines appear appear regardless of how faint or dark the test should be regarded as positive
If both Rapid tests are positive then the result = HIV positive
If one Rapid test is positive and the other negative the result = HIV indeterminate
In case of an HIV indeterminate result go on to send blood to the lab for an HIV ELISA
NB ! Do not read the test too early or late as these errors cannot be rectified
Always post-test counsel all patients/caregivers regardless of the HIV status

Record the result of the test

In the correct patient records (Bedletter, Road to Health Booklet, HCT form, stat form)
Date and time of tests
Signature and name of person who carried out the testing
Name and signature of parent/caregiver on the HCT form and complete all fields
This assists with continuity of care and shared confidentiality between healthcare providers
DO NOT STICK THE TEST KIT IN THE BEDLETTERS, THIS IS A HEALTH HAZARD