Same-visit HIV testing in Trinidad and Tobago.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• The Ministry of Health in Trinidad and Tobago manages all national health services.
• A new initiative allows individuals to receive confidential HIV test results during a single visit.
• Technical assistance was provided by the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a confidential, single-visit HIV testing program in Trinidad and Tobago.
• To integrate international best practices into the national HIV testing strategy.
• To develop a scalable model for decentralized HIV testing services.

Main Methods:

• A technical working group, guided by CAREC and CDC, reviewed global best practices for rapid HIV testing.
• A consensus protocol and certification criteria were developed.
• Training materials were created, and "same-visit" HIV testing was piloted at two sites.

Main Results:

• A Ministry of Health-supported "same-visit" HIV testing program is now operational in Trinidad and Tobago.
• Testing is confidential and does not require laboratory confirmation.
• Non-laboratory personnel, trained as testers and counselors, provide HIV testing in decentralized settings.
• Quality assurance procedures ensure consistent testing across multiple sites.

Conclusions:

• Trinidad and Tobago has successfully implemented a single-visit HIV testing program.
• The program offers confidential test results during one visit, utilizing trained non-laboratory staff.
• This decentralized model of HIV testing and counseling may be adaptable for other small nations.