Advocate Trinity Hospital - Rapid HIV and Rapid Hepatitis C Testing Project

What is it?

This integrated program takes place in the emergency department (ED), where people are offered free confidential side-by-side HIV and Hepatitis C tests while awaiting treatment. Health counselors provide patients with prevention and awareness information during each counseling session. Testing is performed in a private area, and results are available in 20 minutes.

Who is it for?

People waiting to be seen in the ED; friends, family members and people who walk in between the ages of 13 and 64 are offered the opportunity to test.

Why do they do it?

The project aims to reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C and increase awareness on how to prevent the spread of both viruses. The CDC estimates that one in four people is infected with HIV, and more than 70 percent of the population is unaware of their current Hepatitis C status. There are 3.5 million new Hepatitis C cases yearly in the United States.

Impact

Since 2007, more than 24,000 individuals have been tested in the project for HIV, and 469 individuals have been tested for Hepatitis C since November 2011. Both tests are performed through capillary collection; if the specimen shows an exposure to either or both of the viruses, a second test is performed. Individuals with confirmed positive results are linked to care at various city and private agencies.

Contact: Donna Sinclair
ED Rapid HIV and Hepatitis Testing Project
Health Education Coordinator
Telephone: 773-967-5568
E-mail: Donna.Sinclair@advocatehealth.com