VCT Protocols

• Voluntary counseling and testing, also known as client-initiated Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) counseling and testing, serves as a key component in prevention and care interventions, according to the World Health Organization. VCT not only lets someone know his HIV status, but also allows access to care as appropriate. VCT services need to focus on the client, providing him with information that's useful and relevant to him and his lifestyle.

Pretest

• VCT begins after a client takes an HIV test of her own volition. The tester must verify that the client has not been coerced to test, by obtaining her informed consent before administering the test. The tester must also ensure the client understands the testing procedure, and the meaning and implications of results -- especially if rapid-test results will be disclosed the same day as the client takes the test.

Risk Assessment

• The tester/counselor should use the test-processing time to assess and discuss the client's knowledge about HIV and its modes of transmission. The counselor must also inform the client about the window period -- the three weeks to six months it takes for someone to start producing HIV antibodies and test positive after contracting HIV, according to TheBody.com. The tester and client will further explore the client's perception of his own risk as well as his actual level of risk for HIV infection, allowing the client to identify and better understand his behaviors and attitudes that increase his risk of contracting HIV. The counseling session enables the tester to prepare the client for the test result and discuss the different follow-up options for each result.

Disclosure and Post-Test

• Results disclosure ranks as a pivotal moment in VCT. Regardless of the outcome, it may change a client's life in a profound way. The tester should disclose the test result and what it means in a non-emotional, neutral manner. She should give the client a moment to process the information, after which she will initiate post-test counseling. For a negative test result, post-test counseling involves re-visiting the window period, as well as helping the client formulate and commit to following risk-reduction strategies and, where applicable, schedule a follow-up test. If a result comes back positive, post-test counseling encourages the client to have a confirmatory test and explores risk-reduction strategies. The counselor also provides the client with further counseling options, refers him for support services, and discusses intake into care and disclosure to others.