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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Christa Seidman, MPH, Lenore Asbel, MD, C. Vic Spain, DVM, PhD, and Veronica Hodges, MSW. Division of Disease Control, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, 500 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19146, (215) 685-6829, christa.seidman@phila.gov

Background: Philadelphia's categorical STD clinic has conducted an average of 8,740 HIV tests per year over the past 5 years. The Oraquick Rapid HIV-1 Antibody Test, from which results can be read in 20 minutes, became available in this clinic in 2004. Objectives: · To describe changes in HIV testing demand, testing follow-up activities, and patients' subsequent STD incidence after introducing routine rapid HIV testing in a large urban STD clinic · To assess the cost-effectiveness of rapid testing versus conventional testing Methods: Two one-year periods were selected for analysis. Period 1 (conventional testing only) was compared to period 2 (rapid testing only) in terms of the number of clinic patients who agreed to HIV testing, the number of persons with HIV identified, and the ability to link those testing positive to care. Results: Preliminary data show that the number of anonymous tests increased from 966 to 1,768 while confidential tests increased from 6,837 to 8,560 between period 1 and period 2. During period 1, 10 (1.0 %) persons who were anonymously tested never returned for their test results, while all persons testing positive during period 2 were given their test results and were offered referral to care. The average time to referral for care decreased from 14 days to 1 day between periods 1 and 2. Conclusions: The implementation of rapid HIV testing led to an increase in testing and an improvement in follow-up, but the number of persons identified with HIV did not significantly increase.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Identify the effects of implementing rapid HIV testing in a large urban STD clinic, such as the number of tests performed, follow-up, and staff time used.
• Assess whether HIV rapid testing in a large urban STD clinic is cost-effective.
• Determine if the more complete counseling associated with rapid testing decreases subsequent incidence of sexually transmitted diseases.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Practice-Based Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered