Session 3: Pre-Test Counselling in Voluntary Counselling & Testing (VCT)

Session 3: Pre-Test Counselling in Voluntary Counselling & Testing (VCT) 1 Learning Objectives By the end of this session, students are expected to be able to: • Define the term pre-test counselling • Describe components of pre-test counselling • Describe the testing process • Demonstrate skills in pre-test counselling 7/29/202 3 2 Components of Pre-Test Counselling: Introduction and Risk Reduction Pre-Test Counselling  Pre-test counselling is a dialogue between a client and a counsellor before the HIV test is performed. It aims to discuss the HIV test, clarifying its meaning and the possible implications of knowing ones HIV sero-status this leads to an informed decision whether to take an HIV test or not take. 7/29/202 3 3  During the pre–test counselling, the client is prepared psychologically for either a negative, a positive or indeterminate test result and their risk of infection is also reviewed.  The pre-test counselling also helps the client to think about possible reactions to the test results and who to inform, assesses client’s coping