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AIDS Reference Manual
- Good practice in testing
- The accuracy of HIV testing
- Understanding safer sex and safer drug use
- The testing procedure
- Confidentiality
- Discussion of post-test counselling
- Special issues for gay men
- Special issues for women
- Special issues for drug users
- Special issues for people from ethnic minorities
Discussion of post-test counselling
It's important that you know about what happens after the test result is given, and to think through the practical implications of receiving their test result before it takes place.
Who should be told about the test? What might the consequences be of telling those people?
Many people disclose widely in expectation of a negative result. This may create real problems of confidentiality if the result is positive.
Should partners be told the result of the test? Does the clinic have a policy of encouraging partner notification? How would this be done?
Everyone should receive post–test counselling for as many sessions as they need, regardless of whether the test result is positive or negative.
