Point of care using simple/rapid HIV tests

Movement of HIV testing to point of care (POC) has been facilitated by the availability of simple/rapid anti-HIV immunoassays. These assays have been used at health centres in the United States, Canada and at voluntary counselling and testing centres in developing countries. While this approach has revolutionised HIV screening in some areas, there are ethical, legal and quality assurance considerations that must be addressed before POC HIV testing is universally accepted.