Testers' compliance to the quality standards of HIV rapid testing services in Primary Health Care Facilities in Makete District, Tanzania

BACKGROUND: HIV rapid testing services is one among key interventions in the controlling of HIV/AIDS. Despite availability of quality standards, the quality of HIV rapid testing services remains questionable since non-laboratory testers are allowed to conduct testing while they are not specialized in providing testing services. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the compliance to the quality standards of HIV rapid testing services provided by non-laboratory testers in Makete District, Tanzania METHODS: An explanatory descriptive study employing quantitative approach of data collection was used. An observation of 23 non-laboratory testers performing HIV rapid tests, observation of HIV testing points and documents review was done in 23 testing points to collect data. Data were analyzed using a programmed excel sheet and a three-point scale was used to determine the level of compliance to quality standards. RESULTS: Analysis shows that out of 23 testing points visited, the level of compliance to quality standards was lower for 22 (95.6%) testing points and moderate in 1 (4.4%) testing point. None of the testing point was highly complied to quality standards for HIV rapid testing services. CONCLUSION: The quality of HIV rapid testing services provided by non-laboratory testers is below the established quality standards for HIV rapid testing services.