16.3
Confirming HIV infection
Clinical HIV Guidelines, 5th Edition, 2022. Chapter 16, Starting ART.
Clinical description
- All patients need a confirmatory HIV antibody test to rule out a mix-up of test results or fraudulent
access to ART:
o Before starting ART o All children under 24 months who start ART need a confirmatory DNA-PCR using a new DBS sample or POC test. This should be collected on the day of starting ART.
o The standard (blood-based) HIV testing algorithm, performed by a trained HTS provider at the same health facility where ART is started, counts as the confirmatory HIV test. A new confirmatory test is only needed for patients who were initially diagnosed elsewhere (community, another health facility).
- Do not delay ART initiation if HIV test kits are not available for the confirmatory test but do
confirmatory test at the next scheduled visit as soon as testing is available.
Check doses against the printed guideline and your clinical judgement before treating a patient. Spotted an error? Report it from the contact links below.
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