Incorporation of Rapid Test at a University Hospital STD Clinic increased HIV and syphilis detection. Effect on linkage to care.

GALLO VAULET, MARÍA LUCÍA; MORANDO, NICOLÁS; CASCO, RICARDO; MELGAR, ASUNTA; RODRÍGUEZ FERMEPIN, MARCELO; PANDO, MARÍA DE LOS ÁNGELES

Chicago

Congreso; HIV Research for Prevention 2016: AIDS Vaccine, Microbicide and ARV-based Prevention Science - HIVR4P; 2016

Access to diagnosis and inclusion in care have been recognized as key strategies for HIV/AIDS control. Rapid testing (RT) for HIV and Syphilis were recommended in Argentina for diagnostic purposes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of the implementation of RT for HIV and Syphilis in a sexually transmitted diseases clinic (STD) and their impact on linkage to care.Between March and December 2015, RT for HIV and Syphilis was offered for the first time at the University Hospital STD clinic to every patient. Finger-prick RT for HIV and Syphilis were performed (Alere Determine HIV-1/2; Alere Determine Syphilis TP). Complementary studies (ELISA, viral load and CD4 T cell count) were offered to HIV Reactive participants. VDRL test was offered to every participant.A total of 30.9% of patients attending the clinic agreed to test for HIV, showing a significant increase compared to the previous year (6.9%, p