Checklist for HIV testing and counselling during the antenatal period
Table 16.3 below summarises the steps involved in testing and counselling for HIV during the antenatal period, at the first antenatal visit and at every subsequent visit. We hope that you will find it helpful. Remember that you will also receive practical skills training in PMTCT of HIV, which will also cover policy and procedures during labour and delivery and the postnatal period.
Table 16.3 Checklist for counselling all pregnant women for HIV during every antenatal visit.
| Ask, check | Result | Treat and counsel |
|---|---|---|
● Have you ever been tested for HIV? ● If yes, do you know the result? (Explain to the woman that she has the right not to disclose the result.) ● Has the partner been tested? | ● Known HIV-positive. | ● Ensure that she visited adequate staff and received necessary information about MTCT of HIV prevention ● Enquire about the ART or ARV prophylaxis and ensure that the woman knows when to start ● Enquire how she will be supplied with the drugs. ● Enquire about the infant feeding option chosen ● Advise on additional care during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum ● Advise on correct and consistent use of condoms ● Counsel on benefits of involving and testing the partner |
| ● No HIV test results or not willing to disclose result. | ● Provide key information on HIV ● Inform her about voluntary counselling and testing to determine HIV status ● Advise on correct and consistent use of condoms ● Counsel on benefits of involving and testing the partner | |
| ● Known HIV-negative | ● Provide key information on HIV ● Counsel on benefits of involving and testing her partner ● Counsel on the importance of staying negative by correct and consistent use of condoms |