Rapid HIV testing & testing frequency study

This randomised controlled trial, involving men who have sex with men, looked at whether using rapid HIV finger prick test would boost the frequency of HIV testing over an 18 month period. All men were provided access to testing at a sexual health clinic. We compared the rapid HIV finger prick test the HIV test using standard blood collection in men who have sex with men.

The majority of men said they preferred rapid tests to the standard tests because getting results was quicker and the anxiety less while waiting for results.

The study showed that providing access to rapid HIV testing in a health service did not result in a sustained increase over time in HIV testing by men who have sex with men. However, the rate of initial HIV testing did increase by a third. Further research is needed to find out how to achieve sustained increases in HIV testing in men who have sex with men.