HIV Testing Services Module Guide
The HIV Testing Services (HTS) module in the Health Services Report captures information on PSI’s HTS service delivery on a monthly basis. All service data are disaggregated by Channel: Franchise Facility, Service Delivery Partner, or PSI Direct Service Provision. For franchise facilities and service delivery partners, only services that meet PSI’s criteria for service delivery through partners can be reported. For detailed definitions of these channels and channel types, please click here: https://helppsi.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/14000014984-common-data-element-definitions
Why collect these data?
The tables compile data based on PEPFAR HTS indicators. All attributes by which the data elements are disaggregated are required by PEPFAR and are used to evaluate whether prioritized services have been successful at reaching the targeted populations. This data is useful for a variety of programmatic and reporting applications:
Internally , these data provide important information about global trends in service delivery, informing quality assurance measures and facilitating identification of platform-to-platform technical assistance opportunities for programmatic improvement. These data are also key for proposals, further ensuring HTS program advancement through continued and additional funding.
Externally , these data allow PSI to leverage its network to contribute to global discussions about HTS uptake and linkage to care. PSI is often asked to share global data related to PEPFAR indicators.
Impact Estimation (e.g. DALYs averted): In each table, we have noted where data will be used to estimate impact.
The table below outlines the module’s data tables and their corresponding data elements.
Section 1: Testing | Data Elements |
| Table 1: Clients provided with HIV testing and counseling services by channel | Number of clients who were tested and received their result Number of clients who received a positive result |
Section 2: Client Age | Data Elements |
| Table 1: Clients who received results by age | Clients who received results by sex and age |
| Table 2: Clients who tested positive by age | Clients who tested positive by sex and age |
Each table and data element are described in further detail below.
Section 1: Testing | Data Elements |
| Table 1: HIV testing and counseling services by channel | Number of clients who were tested and received their result Number of clients who received a positive result |
| Data Element: Number of clients who were tested and received their result (HTC_TST) |
| Purpose: This data element measures the number of clients who were tested and received their test results. |
| Precise Definitions: This measure captures the number of individuals who received HIV Testing and Counseling (HTC) services for HIV and received their test results. All testing should be included in this section including general population HTS, KP/PP HTS, VMMC testing, OVC, and PMTCT testing. This data element DOES NOT include individuals tested through self-testing as this does not include full pre/post-test counselling. A minimum provision of the following services is required for adequate data collection for this data element: counseling, testing, return, and receipt of test results. A person who wishes to receive HIV testing and counseling services may do so individually (meaning they are not accompanied by a sexual partner when receiving HTC services) or as a couple (meaning two partners in a pre-sexual or sexual relationship receive HTC services together, at the same time). This measure includes individual and couples testing. Both facility based and community-based testing is included in the count. For a detailed definition of “channel” see the common data elements definition page. |
| Unit of Measure: Number of clients who received HIV test results after receiving HTS |
| Disaggregated by: channel (Franchise facility, Service Delivery Partner, PSI Direct Service Provision) |
| Justification/Management Utility: This data element is intended to monitor trends in the uptake of HTC services (regardless of the service delivery point and population group) within a country. It is also used to calculate impact (DALYs, HIV infections averted) |
| Data Element: Number of clients who received a positive result (HTC_TST_POS) |
| Purpose: This data element measures the number of clients who were tested and received a positive result. |
| Precise Definitions: This data element counts the number of people who received a confirmed positive test result. For a detailed definition of “channel” see the common data elements definition page. |
| Unit of Measure: Number of clients who received positive test results |
| Disaggregated by: channel (Franchise facility, Service Delivery Partner, PSI Direct Service Provision) |
| Justification/Management Utility: In addition to numbers tested, it is vital that we collect information on how many HIV positive cases are identified. Identifying HIV positive individuals as early as possible, and helping them access the treatment cascade at the appropriate time, will contribute to reduced HIV-related morbidity and mortality. Data on yield can determine whether our HTC programs are effectively reaching those that are living with HIV, or whether we need to make adaptations that will help us better identify people that need care and treatment. |
Section 2: Client Age | Data Elements |
| Table 1: Clients who received results by age | Clients who received results by age and sex |
| Table 2: Clients who tested positive by age | Clients who tested positive by age and sex |
| Data Element: Clients who received results by age and sex (HTC_TST) |
| Purpose: This data element measures who is being reached with HIV testing services |
| Precise Definitions: This measure captures the number of individuals who received HIV Testing and Counseling (HTC) services for HIV and received their test results. All testing should be included in this section including general population HTS, KP/PP HTS, VMMC testing, OVC, and PMTCT testing. This data element DOES NOT include individuals tested through self-testing as this does not include full pre/post-test counselling. A minimum provision of the following services is required for adequate data collection for this data element: counseling, testing, return, and receipt of test results. A person who wishes to receive HIV testing and counseling services may do so individually (meaning they are not accompanied by a sexual partner when receiving HTC services) or as a couple (meaning two partners in a pre-sexual or sexual relationship receive HTC services together, at the same time). This measure includes individual and couples testing. Both facility based and community-based testing is included in the count. For a detailed definition of “channel” see the common data elements definition page. |
| Unit of Measure: Number of clients who received HIV test results after receiving HTS |
| Disaggregated by: Age (<1, 1-4, 5-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50+, or unknown) Gender (males, females, transgender) |
| Justification/Management Utility: It is important for us to know how HTS are reaching men vs. women and where sex inequalities do exist, to help us develop insights about how to address them. HIV disproportionally affects women. By collecting age and gender disaggregated data we can ensure we are reaching those most at risk. |
| Data Element: Clients who tested positive by age and sex (HTC_TST_POS) |
| Purpose: This data element measures the number of clients that tested positive for HIV, disaggregated by age and sex |
| Precise Definitions: This data element counts the number of people who received a confirmed positive test result. |
| Unit of Measure: Number of positive test results given to clients |
| Disaggregated by: Age (<1, 1-4, 5-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50+, or unknown) Gender (males, females, transgender) |
| Justification/Management Utility: In addition to numbers tested, it is vital that we collect information on how many HIV positive cases are identified. Identifying HIV positive individuals as early as possible, and helping them access the treatment cascade at the appropriate time, will contribute to reduced HIV-related morbidity and mortality. Data on yield can determine whether our HTC programs are effectively reaching those that are living with HIV, or whether we need to make adaptations that will help us better identify people that need care and treatment. By collecting age and sex disaggregated data we can ensure we are reaching those most at risk. |