This document outlines standard operating procedures for counselors at Integrated Counseling and Testing Centres. It details the activities that should be carried out during pre-test counseling, including discussing the reasons for attending, assessing risk factors, explaining the testing process, and obtaining informed consent. Post-test counseling activities are also outlined, such as providing results, discussing implications, emotional support, and developing follow-up plans. The document provides checklists for counselors and describes their responsibilities, including prevention education, psychosocial support, maintaining referrals and linkages, monitoring supply logistics, and reporting.

1. ICTC-STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
INTEGRATED COUNSELING AND TESTING CENTRE
Check list of counselors,
The counselors should ensure that the following activities are
carried out during pre test and post test counseling.
1. PRE TEST COUNSELLING
1.REASON FOR ATTEDING DISCUSSED.
2. KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HIV AND MODES OF TRANSMISSION
EXPLORED .
3. MISCONCEPTIONS CORRECTED .
4. ASSESSMENT OF PERSONAL RISK PROFILE CARRIED OUT.
5. INFORMATION CONCERING THE HIV TEST GIVEN.(E.G process
of testing ,meaning of possible test results. Window period).
6. UNDER STANDING CHECKED FOR.
7. DISCUSSION OF MEANING OF HIV POSITIVE AND HIV-
NEGATIVE RESULTS AND POSSIBLE IMPLICATIONS.
8. CAPACITY TO COPE WITH HIV POSITIVE RESULT.
9. DISCUSSION OF POTENTIAL NEEDS AND AVAILABLE
SUPPORT.
10. DISCUSSION OF A PERSONAL RISK REDUCTION PLAN.
11. ISSUE OF ASSESSING PARTNER FOR STI/HIV.
12. TIME ALLOWED THINKING THROUGH ISSUES.
13. INFORMED CONSENT /DISSENT GIVEN FREELY.
14. FOLLOW UP ARRANGEMENTS DISCUSSED.
15. ADEQUATE TIME FOR QUESTION AND CLARIFICATIONS.

2. ICTC-STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
2.POST TEST COUNSELLING
1. RESULTS GIVES SIMPLY AND CLEARLY .
2.TIME ALLOWED FOR THE RESULT TO SINK IN.
3.CHECKING FOR UNDERSTANDING.
4.DISCUSSION OF THE MEANING OF THE RESULT FOR THE
CLIENT.
5.DISCUSSION OF PERSONAL FAMILY AND SOCIAL
IMPLICATIONS
6.DISCUSSION OF PERSONAL RISK REDUCTION PLAN.
7.DEALING WITH IMMEDIATE EMOTIONAL REACTIONS.
8.CHECKING AVAILABILITY OF ADEQUATE IMMEDIATE
SUPPORT.
9.PARTNER EVALUATION.
10.DISCUSSION OF FOLLOWUP CARE AND SUPPORT.
11.OPTIONS AND RESOURCES IDENTIFIED.
12.IMMEDIATE PLANS, INTENTIONS AND ACTIONS REVIEWED.
13.FOLLOW UP PLANS DISCUSSED AND REFERRALS WHERE
NECESSARY.
14.ISSUES RELATED TO SHARING OF INFORMATION WITH
SPOUSE &RELATIVES.

3. ICTC-STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
FOLLOWUP COUNSELLING
1. PRE ART CARE.
2. REGISRATION ATTHE 1ART CENTRE.
3. ADHERENCE TO TREATMENT.
4. PREVENTION OF OPERTUNATIVEINFECTION.
5. TREATMENT OF TB, STI AND OTHER AILMENTS.
6. UPTAKE OF PPTCT SERVICES BY PREGNANT WOMEN.
7. CAREOF THE EXPOSED BABY.
8. BEHAVIOUR CHANGE AND RISK REDUCTION.
9. PARTNER TESTING AND COUNSELLING .
10.REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ISSUES.
11.PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES LIKE DEPRESSION,SUICIDAL
TENDENCY,ANXIETY AND POOR SELF ESTEEM.
12.ISSUES RELATED TO DISCLOSURE.
13.STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION INCLUDING STIGMA.
14.LOSS OR DEATH OF FAMILY MEMBERS.
15.NUTRITION COUNSELLING .
16.HOME BASED CARE.
7.LEGAL ISSUES REFER TO LEGAL AID RESOURCES OR DROP IN
CENTRES(DICs).

4. ICTC-STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
CHECK LIST FOR THE ICTC COUNSELLOR
1.LIST OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT SCHEMES AVAILABLE IN THE
DISTRICT.
2.NAME AND CONTACT ADDRESS OF THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR
OFFICE.
3.LIST OF TEHSILDARS AND THEIR CONTACT ADDRESS.
4.NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTACT PERSONS OF THE DISTRICT
PLHIV NETWORK.
5.NAME AND ADDRESS OF ALL HIV SERVICES.
6.NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE TINGO IN THE DISTRICT,THEIR AREA
OF COVERAGE ,THEIR TYPOLOGY OF COVERAGE,ETC.
7.NAME AND CONTACT DETAILS OF ORWs AND PEER EDUCATORS
IN THE DISTRICT AND THE AREAS COVERED IN THEM IN THE
DISTRICT.
8.NAME AND CONTACT DETAILS OF NON-HIVNGOs IN THE DISTRICT.
9.NAME AND CONTACT DETAILS OF SHORT STAY HOMES FOR
HOMES FOR WOMEN IN THE DISTRICT.
10.NAME AND CONTACT DETAILS OF ORPHANAGES IN THE
DISTRICT.

5. ICTC-STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
1. PREVENTIVE AND HEALTH EDUCATION
Ensure that each clients is provided pre-test information/
counseling, post test counseling and follow up counseling in a friendly
atmosphere. Be available in the ICTC as per the specifiedtimings.
Ensure that strict confidentiality is maintained. Ensure that all IEC
materials suchas posters, etc.are displayed prominently inthe
ICTC.Ensure that communicationaids in the form of flip books and
condom demonstration models ,fliers ,etc.are available in the ICTC.
2. PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT
Provide psychosocial support tohelpHIV-Positiveclients cope with
HIV/AIDS and its consequences. Ensure that the extended family of the
HIV-POSITIVEclient is sensitizedonhowto deal withHIV-positive
members of the family.
3. REFERRALS AND LINKAGES
Maintain effective coordination withthe RCH and TB
programmers as well as with the antiretroviral therapy( ART)
programmers’ and visit key persons inthe facilities run by these
programmers’ once in a fortnight soas to strengthens linkages and
minimize loss of clients during referrals.
4. SUPPLY LOGISTICS
Report tothe ICTC Manager on the adequacy of stocks of
condoms and prophylactic nevirapine tablets and syrupavailable in the
ICTC as well as in the facility.
5.MONITORING Maintain counseling records and registers and
prepare monthly reports which are to be sent tothe SACS.Facilitate the
establishment of linkage referrals.