Frequently asked questions: testing for HIV, including HIV self-testing, in the context of pre-exposure prophylaxis (‎PrEP)

Frequently asked questions: testing for HIV, including HIV self-testing, in the context of pre-exposure prophylaxis (‎PrEP)

Overview

This document is intended for testing providers, and for HTS clients. HIV testing in the context of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs has become complex.

  1. Although not recommended, individuals with a known HIV-positive status on antiretroviral therapy (ART) may seek HIV testing services to “check” their HIV status.

  2. Individuals who are HIV-negative and take ARVs (i.e. oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)) to prevent HIV acquisition are recommended to test quarterly.

This set of frequently asked questions will focus on the second situation.