Services Database HIV Point of Care Testing

The aim of this service is to increase the uptake of HIV testing among Dudley residents to reduce late and undiagnosed HIV, specifically in high risk groups such as people who have migrated from regions of the world where HIV is common, such as sub-Saharan Africa, and MSM (men who have sex with men) by providing HIV point of care testing (POCT), delivered through Dudley community pharmacies.

The HIV POCT is targeted at all Dudley residents aged 18 years or older who are unaware of their HIV status. However, it should be proactively targeted at high risks groups i.e. people who have migrated from regions of the world where HIV is common, such as sub-Saharan Africa, MSM, Injecting Drug Users and Sex Workers.

It is proposed that all participating pharmacies should offer “opportunistic” HIV testing to all customers aged 18 years or older, proactively targeting above mentioned high risk group. The service will be available to customers either by:

• provider offering/initiating the test; or
• customers initiates/requesting test.

 The HIV POCT will be carried out through a finger prick blood test and will be performed using the INSTI (1 minute) HIV-1/HIV-2 rapid antibody test.

All test results will be given the same day (within 10mins) of the test being carried out.

Pharmacists or pharmacy staff who are providing the testing will need to have attended training provided by Summit House.