Voluntary counseling and testing

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Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) for HIV usually involves two counseling sessions: one prior to taking the test known as "pre-test counseling" and one following the HIV test when the results are given,[1] often referred to as "post-test counseling". Counseling focuses on the infection (HIV), the disease (AIDS), the test, and positive behavior change. VCT has become popular in many parts of Africa as a way for a person to learn their HIV status. VCT centers and counselors often use rapid HIV tests that require a drop of blood or some cells from the inside of one's cheek; the tests are cheap, require minimal training, and provide accurate results in about 15 minutes.[citation needed]

References

  1. ^ Suthar, Amitabh B.; Ford, Nathan; Bachanas, Pamela J.; Wong, Vincent J.; Rajan, Jay S.; Saltzman, Alex K.; Ajose, Olawale; Fakoya, Ade O.; Granich, Reuben M.; Negussie, Eyerusalem K.; Baggaley, Rachel C. (13 August 2013). "Towards Universal Voluntary HIV Testing and Counselling: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Community-Based Approaches". PLOS Medicine. 10 (8): e1001496. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1001496. ISSN 1549-1676. PMC 3742447. PMID 23966838.

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