Counselling and testing in PMTCT context

Session Objective and content

• Objective: At the end of the session the participant should be able Discuss counselling and testing in the PMTCT context

• Content• General information on PMTCT in ANC• Counselling (individual counselling, spouse involvement,

confidentiality)• Testing (opt in opt out approaches, timing of testing -- pre

pregnancy, antenatal, intrapartum, postpartum)

Benefits of testing

• PMTCT• Prevention of opportunistic infections• Reduction of HIV transmission risk• Access to care• Future Planning

Confidentiality in TC in PMTCT

• All patient information is kept private.• Information is shared only with providers directly

involved in care—and only on a “need to know” basis.

• All medical records and registers are kept in secure place.

General information

• All pregnant women should receive information on – Safer sexual practices– Prevention and treatment of STIs– PMTCT

• HIV and AIDS• Transmission and prevention• HIV testing and test result interpretation• Availability of counseling and follow-up services

Pre test counselling in PMTCT

• Clarify the purpose, advantages, and disadvantages of testing

• Ensures understanding of the TC process• Respects the client's testing decision

Post test counseling in PMTCT• Always give results in person.• Post-test counseling for all.

– Provide the test result.– Help the woman understand the test result.– Encourage risk-reducing behaviour.– Encourage disclosure and partner testing.

• Post test counseling for HIV-positive result– Clarify understanding.– Acknowledge feelings.– Review benefits of knowing HIV status.– Address immediate concerns.– Schedule follow-up visit.– Provide name and telephone number of clinic and contact

person.

Approaches to HIV Testingin PMTCT

Opt-In • Explicit request to

be tested• Written or verbal

informed consent

Opt-Out• Testing routinely

offered• Clients not

explicitly asked to be tested

• Client may refuse

Opt-Out strategy

Opt-Out approach• Normalises HIV testing by integrating it into ANC

care• Increases the number of women who receive

testing and PMTCT interventions• May increase the uptake of PMTCT services

including testing

Algorithm for Use of 3 Rapid HIV Tests (Serial Testing)

First HIV Rapid Test

Pre-Test Education and/or Counselling

Positive Test* Result Negative Test Result/Counsel for Negative Result

Second HIV Rapid Test

Positive Test Result/Counsel for Positive Result Negative Test Result

Third HIV Rapid Test

Positive Test Result/Counsel for Positive Result Negative Test Result/Counsel for Negative Result

* In the context of labour in a MTCT-prevention setting, it is advised to give a single dose of nevirapine on the basis of a single positive rapid test. This should then be confirmed after delivery.

Diagnosing HIV in Infants Exposed to HIV

• Antiretroviral prophylaxis reduces but does not eliminate MTCT transmission of HIV infection.

• Since maternal antibodies cross the placenta, antibody testing is not recommended prior to 18 months of age.

• Infants who are breastfeeding require additional testing once breastfeeding has completely discontinued.

Antibody Testing of the InfantExposed to HIV

Non-breastfeedingAt or after 18 months of age:• Negative HIV antibody

test indicates that the child is not infected.

• Positive HIV antibody test indicates that the child is infected.

BreastfeedingAt or after 18 months of age:• Negative HIV antibody

test should be repeated 6 weeks after complete cessation of breastfeeding.

• Positive HIV antibody test indicates that the child is infected.

HIV DNA PCR in Infants

• Detects presence of virus (antigen) in the blood• Can be done as early as 48 hours after birth• Early diagnosis means early treatment and

care.

DNA PCR in Exposed Infants

For children who are not breastfeeding: Consider testing the neonate before 48 hours (optional) and if positive, the

child is considered HIV-infected during pregnancy.

If negative, child could still be infected during delivery and will need to be re-tested at 1–2 months and possibly 3–6 months. 

For children who are breastfeeding:

Consider testing the neonate before 48 hours and if positive, the child is considered HIV-infected during pregnancy.

If negative, child could still be infected during delivery and will need to be re-tested at 2–6 months.

If positive at 2–6 months of age, a second viral assay should be repeated as soon as possible on a second blood specimen. A second positive viral assay confirms that the infant has HIV infection.

Working with Couples

• Provides TC to male partners• Emphasises male responsibility to protect the

health of partner and family• Reduces “blaming” the woman• Identifies discordant couples

Timing of testing

• Pre pregnancy- ideal• Antenatally – as Early as possible• Intrapartum• Post partum• Post pregnancy