At any step, if the sample test is negative, the client is considered HIV antibody negative. When clients return in two weeks, they are given their test results and provided with prevention counseling. When needed, referrals are made for appropriate services for each client. The sex and needle sharing partners of HIV positive clients are contacted for follow-up. This partner elicitation is the process of discussing the need for follow-up with the index client, while gathering the partner s locating information.
Partner notification is made by the index client or by a Disease Intervention Specialist.