Real-life evidence on point-of-care HIV Ag/Ab rapid testing in Türkiye: Early diagnosis and linkage to care

In Türkiye, rapid HIV tests are rarely used outside voluntary counseling and testing centers. This study aimed to assess the real-life use of point-of-care HIV Ag/Ab rapid testing and participants' perceptions of reliability, preferred testing setting, and satisfaction.

Voluntary individuals presenting for HIV screening within 15 days of their last sexual contact were included. Participants underwent point-of-care HIV Ag/Ab rapid testing and ELISA Anti-HIV testing on days 15 and 45 after exposure. Prior knowledge of rapid testing was assessed. After providing information, three questions addressed reliability, preferred setting, and satisfaction. Participants with potential exposure also underwent same-day HIV RNA testing. All reactive results were confirmed by reference laboratory testing.

A total of 214 participants were evaluated (median age: 29.5 years (range: 18-63); 29 women, 185 men). On both day 15 and 45, 17 participants tested positive with the rapid test and 21 with ELISA. Confirmatory testing verified 17 true positives and 4 false positives. Among 23 participants tested for HIV RNA, 17 were positive on day 15, and RNA became undetectable in 14 confirmed cases by day 45. Three participants started antiretroviral therapy on the same day, and the remainder within one week. Regarding perceptions, 58 participants had prior knowledge, 71 found the test reliable, 140 preferred home-based self-testing, and all reported satisfaction.

Point-of-care HIV Ag/Ab rapid testing shortened time to diagnosis and supported timely ART initiation. Despite limited awareness, high acceptance indicates that broader implementation may improve early diagnosis and linkage to care.