HIV Care: Counseling and Testing
CHN offers no-cost confidential HIV counseling and testing at all of our sites, and also in the community. It is critical to identify the infection early (especially in light of treatment options available today to prolong and improve the quality of life for HIV+ individuals), and establish a prevention plan in order to avoid exposure, which can lead to re-infection.
When a patient agrees to be tested, they are given the option of having a blood specimen drawn, using OraSure (test is through oral fluid, saliva), or OraQuick (also known as the HIV rapid test because the results are known within 20 minutes. It is advised that those who use this test follow up their test results with a standard HIV test.) During the pre-test counseling sessions, partner notification and names reporting is discussed as per the New York State Partner Notification and Names Reporting Law. Assistance with partner notification is offered and domestic violence screening is conducted in case the patient decides to notify his/her partners.
Post-test counseling appointments are made at the HIV testing visit. For privacy, confidentiality and safety reasons, clients are asked about the best way to be contacted for their follow-up return visit.
For all test results, the post-test counseling includes an explanation of the HIV test result, assistance in coping emotionally with both negative and positive results, an explanation of modes of transmission and HIV prevention methods appropriate for the patient. Since HIV transmission can occur during pregnancy, female patients are counseled on their options regarding current or future pregnancies. Patients are advised about confidentiality and information release. HIV/AIDS literature is given to the patient, a transmission reduction plan is discussed, domestic violence screening is conducted, voluntary partner notification is encouraged if appropriate, and an individual follow-up plan is made.
For positive results, a thorough explanation of the partner notification plan is given and assistance with notifying partners is offered through CHN’s in-house partner notification or by referral. All patients are offered assistance with scheduling appropriate medical, Case Management and social services.
