HIV Screening & Linkage to Care

HIV Screening refers to diagnosis of HIV by means of testing. After a person receives an HIV diagnosis, a referral to a health provider is what is known as Linkage to Care.

Testing methods are usually performed by taking a blood sample (via finger prick or a tube of blood), and test results can be available anywhere from a week to just a few minutes, depending on the testing technology used. A person who is newly infected with HIV has a high amount of the virus in their system early on. Therefore, it’s important for a person to be linked to HIV care as soon as possible so that a person can start antiretroviral treatment and reduce their viral load (or the amount of virus in their blood), to an undetectable level.

HIV Screening (Overview, Implementation, Policy, and Procedures)

The Pacific AETC will provide educational and accurate information about the process of HIV screening and the procedure. Knowledge of the screening process can provide comfort to the patient and reduce their feeling of intimidation about getting tested, and increase the likelihood they will access services. We give an overview of what the screening session looks like, and the proper steps to take if someone’s test is positive/reactive for HIV. Additionally, this course supports providers to provide routine patients/clients to get tested for HIV.

Local Partner Experts:
All Local Partners

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise, but it might not be for the reasons you would think. Because discussing one’s sex life and sex practices in modern culture can be uncomfortable (for both patients and providers), STIs can often go undetected. The Pacific AETC provides accurate information and resources regarding STIs and STDs, recommending screening procedures, and treatment guidelines.

Local Partner Experts:
Pacific AETC – Bay Area, North & Central Coast Pacific AETC – Central Valley & Northern Interior Pacific AETC – Los Angeles Area Pacific AETC – Orange County & Inland Empire Pacific AETC – San Diego & Imperial