Steps for Index Testing Services
Step 1: Introduce Index Testing Services
to the Index Client during pre-test
session or PMTCT/ART visit
Step 2: Obtain a list of sex and needle-
sharing partners and biological children
< 15 with unknown HIV status
Step 3: Screen all named partners for
intimate partner violence (IPV)
Step 4: Determine the preferred method
of partner notification or child testing
for each named partner/child and record
on Partner Information Form and/or
Biological Children Form
Step 5: Contact all named partners and
test all biological children <15 with
unknown status using the preferred
approach
Step 6: Record partner notification and
family testing outcomes on the
Outcome of Testing Forms
Step 7: Provide appropriate services for
children and seroconcordant/discordant
partners based on HIV status
Use Index Testing Talking Points to introduce
partner/family testing to the index client and complete
Index Client Information Form
Use the Partner/Children Elicitation Forms
to record partner(s)’/child(ren)’s names and
contact information
Exclude partners posing a high risk
Use the Partner Information Form to document
of IPV; refer index client to IPV/OVC
results of IPV screening and preferred partner
services where available and
notification and/or child testing method.
discuss other options for disclosure.
Complete one form for each named partner
Client Referral: Coach Provider Referral: Initiate
client on disclosure; Contract Referral: Provide partner contact attempts Dual Referral: Coach client
Provide “Tips for Telling referral card and disclosure using telephone and on joint disclosure; Make a
Your Partner about HIV” script; agree that client will home visit scripts plan for when and where
and referral slip refer partner or bring the Community Based: joint disclosure will take
Facility Based: Confirm an child for HTS within 30 Confirm a day/time the place; Offer HTS to partner.
appointment to test days. provider will test the
biologic children <15. child(ren) in the home.
Was partner successfully contacted?
Was the child tested?
If Contract Referral, initiate provider referral for
Record successful partner contact or child test
partners or home testing for children after 30
(including HIV status) on Outcome of
days; otherwise record unsuccessful contact on
Partner/Children Testing Form
Outcome of Partner/Children Testing Form
Options for Notifying Your Partner about HIV Testing
Client Referral = You tell your partner about your HIV and encourage him or
her to come to the health facility for an HIV test.

Provider Referral = A counsellor or other health care provider will call or visit
your partner and inform them that they need to test for HIV.

Contract Referral = You and the counsellor will work together to

notify your partner. You will have 30 days to tell your partner. After
which, the counsellor will contact your partner.

Dual Referral = The counsellor/provider will sit with you and your
partner and support you as you tell your partner about your HIV.
Options for HIV Testing for Biological Children
Contract Referral = You and the counsellor will work together to test
your child. You will have 30 days to bring your child(ren) to the
facility for testing. After which, the counsellor will trace your
child(ren) and refer them to a facility or test them in the community.

Community Based = A counsellor or other health care provider will visit you
and your child(ren) at home, explain the need for HIV testing, and test the
child(ren) for HIV.

Facility Based = You bring your child(ren) to the facility for HIV testing. The
counsellor/provider will sit with you and your child(ren) tell your child(ren)
about the need to know their status, and test the child(ren) for HIV.