Florida continues to lead the nation in the number of HIV tests conducted. We have over 1,460 publicly funded and registered testing sites around the state. During 2019, the Counseling, Testing and Linkage data team recorded over 311,000 HIV screening tests. Around 70% of these tests were conducted at sites using rapid test technologies. HIV testing is provided in a number of venues, including:

• County health departments
• Non-profit community-based organizations
• Jails
• Hospitals
• Community health centers
• Mobile testing units
• Sexually transmitted disease clinics
• Outreach events, and other community venues.

Testing for HIV is a powerful prevention tool. We know that when a person knows their HIV status, they will apply prevention measures with their partners and are more likely to enter into and remain in medical care.

In 2012, Florida changed HIV testing procedures for blood and plasma specimens by upgrading to a 4th generation screening test and replacing Western blot with a newer confirmatory test. Also, a cutting-edge test that looks for HIV itself, not the antibodies, was added to the procedure for samples that are positive for the 4th generation but not positive on the new confirmatory test. This new system allows for earlier diagnosis and gives us the incredible chance to get people into care sooner, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and reduced transmission.

The HIV Counseling and Testing Team is public health in motion. Thanks to our numerous test sites, skilled prevention counselors and progressive laboratory, we will continue to move Florida into the next generation and slow this epidemic.

Forms

• Minimum Standards for HIV Counselors, Trainers and Early Intervention Consultants (IOP 360-07)
• Provision of HIV Testing and Linkage (IOP 360-09)
• Model Protocol for HIV Counseling and Testing in Health Care Settings
• Model Protocol for HIV Counseling and Testing in Non-Health Care Settings
• Rapid HIV Testing Site Guidelines

Resources