Voluntary counseling and testing by nurse counselors: what is the role of routine repeated testing after a negative result?

Clin Infect Dis. 2006 Feb 15;42(4):569-71. doi: 10.1086/499954. Epub 2006 Jan 17.

Abstract

Three hundred eighty-eight human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative clients in Zimbabwe were retested at 3 months using 2 parallel rapid tests. One operator error (risk, 0.26%; 95% confidence interval, 0.0065%-1.4%) and no "true" seroconversions (upper 95% confidence limit, 0.96%) were detected. High-risk behavior was not significantly reduced. Policies recommending routine retesting need to be reconsidered.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Serodiagnosis*
  • Adult
  • Counseling*
  • False Negative Reactions
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • HIV Infections / therapy*
  • HIV Seropositivity / diagnosis
  • Health Behavior
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nurses*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk-Taking
  • Zimbabwe