HIV Testing in Nonclinical Settings

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hiv testing nonclinical

HIV testing can be done in a variety of nonclinical or community-based settings, as well as outreach sites, or in a person’s home. Nonclinical settings are easy to access and useful for people who might not be willing or able to access medical services regularly. Nonclinical settings typically provide same-day rapid HIV testing and might offer other HIV prevention services. They may also do outreach and recruitment to get high-risk populations in for HIV testing. Offering HIV testing in these settings is an effective way to bring HIV testing to the community. This section provides key references and information for persons conducting HIV testing in nonclinical settings.

CDC Guidance on HIV Testing in Nonclinical Settings

CDC issued program guidance for HIV testing providers called Implementing HIV Testing in Nonclinical Settings: A Guide for HIV Testing Providers [PDF – 2 MB]. This guide supports the implementation of HIV testing services in nonclinical settings in the United States. The purpose of the guide is to familiarize providers with key programmatic issues that impact delivery of HIV testing services in nonclinical settings. Although this guidance is intended for CDC-funded nonclinical HIV testing providers, non-grantees may also find the content useful.

Job Aids to Support Implementing HIV Testing in Nonclinical Settings

Implementing HIV Testing in Nonclinical Settings: A Guide for HIV Testing Providers complements the document Planning and Implementing HIV Testing and Linkage Programs in Nonclinical Settings: A Guide for Program Managers, and the Evaluation Guide for HIV Testing and Linkage Programs in Nonclinical Settings, which are both intended for HIV program managers.

Laboratory Certificate Requirements for HIV Testing in Nonclinical Settings

hiv testing nonclinical

Nonclinical HIV testing sites using waived rapid HIV tests must either obtain their own certificate of waiver under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) or establish an agreement to work under the CLIA certificate of an existing laboratory. CLIA outlines quality standards for laboratory testing—including rapid HIV testing—to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of patient test results. Agencies should contact their state or local health department for more information, including how to apply for a CLIA waiver. More information about CLIA certification and CLIA-waived tests, including how to establish a CLIA-waived HIV testing site, can be found on CDC’s website at the following links:

HIV Testing Technologies

Related Recommendations and Guidelines

Journal Articles

Acute HIV Infection

Home-Based HIV Self-Testing

Linkage and Referral

Prevention Counseling and HIV Testing

Targeting and Recruitment

Testing Couples Together for HIV

Testing Technologies and Approaches

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