Bibliographic information
Recommendation
Lay providers who are trained and supervised can independently conduct safe and effective HIV testing using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs)
Recommended in favor
Strong
Certainty of evidence
Moderate
Notes and Remarks
Some countries may need to update polices and regulations, or review how they are interpreted, to enable other non-clinical health professionals and trained lay providers to offer HIV testing services. See further WHO guidance on harnessing the full potential of community health workers, including lay providers. In test for triage, a trained provider performs a single rapid diagnostic test and then facilitates linkage to appropriate further testing and services depending on the test result. In the context of HIV, anyone who has an initial reactive test for triage is then promptly linked to further testing for confirmation of HIV status. This strategy is used for self-testing and can also be used to expand testing in communities by lay providers
Also Featured In
This recommendation also appears in the following guidelines:
Consolidated guidelines on HIV testing services
Consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs for treating and preventing HIV infection: recommendations for a public health approach
Consolidated guidelines on HIV testing services, 2019
Consolidated guidelines on HIV prevention, testing, treatment, service delivery and monitoring: recommendations for a public health approach
Consolidated guidelines on HIV, viral hepatitis and STI prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for key populations