What issues should hospitals consider in establishing rapid HIV Testing in the ED?
Successful rapid HIV testing in the ED involves a team approach. Buy in and support from all levels of staff is critical along with solid support and direction from hospital and ED leadership and from the laboratory director. Getting started with HIV testing in the ER requires obtaining the necessary laboratory permits, conducting an assessment of the need for staff training, developing policies and procedures, delineating staff roles and responsibilities, and developing a plan for ongoing evaluation and quality improvement. Issues to be considered include how testing will be integrated into ED work flow, staff availability for conducting the test while the patient is receiving medical care, and space allocation for conducting the tests. See Section 6, Tools and Resources, for information on implementing rapid HIV testing, including laboratory requirements and guidelines for staff training and quality assurance.
