Rapid HIV Testing
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) contracts with local partners to provide Rapid HIV Testing services for the citizens of Missouri. This is done through the HIV Testing Program. In an effort to provide effective services to any and all clients, the HIV Testing Program has established the following program goals:
- To increase the early detection of HIV infection for those infected.
- To prevent HIV infection for those at risk.
- To decrease the transmission of HIV from those infected.
Collaboration with other HIV Care and Prevention programs is essential for success. The HIV Testing Program is dedicated to a holistic approach to curb the HIV epidemic and strives to assist and support the processes of other HIV service programs, including Prevention Community Planning, Care and Case Management, and Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing. All program sites are tasked with referring newly diagnosed HIV positive individuals to services that help ensure the availability of medical care and other support services.
DHSS contracts with and provides funds for six lead agencies and their contractors to provide HIV testing services in a designated region of Missouri. HIV testing services are provided at no charge to clients. The HIV Testing Program includes in-house and outreach services and offers blood testing through standard and rapid testing methods. Four of the six contracted agencies offer services anonymously, as mandated by state law. Other approved, publicly funded agencies may submit specimens to the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL) for HIV testing at no charge to the provider or client. SPHL also provides HIV testing to non-public agencies for a nominal fee. The HIV Testing Program follows the Revised Recommendations for HIV Testing of Adults, Adolescents and Pregnant Women in Health-Care Settings.