Rapid HIV testing, which is free of charge and confidential, can provide patients with a positive or negative result in less than 20 minutes. The local testing site is at the Richland County Health Department, on the third floor of the Law Enforcement Center in Wahpeton.
"It's such a good thing to have the results right away," said Richland County Health Department Registered Nurse Jean Smith. "We're so excited about this."
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"Those are a long two weeks to sit, wonder and worry," Smith said. "Sometimes they'd not even return for the results."
Rapid testing is a simple procedure, just requiring a finger prick. The patient being tested can see the result appear in the device within 20 minutes. If the result is positive the patient will need to have additional blood drawn to be sent to the State Health Department. This is to rule out any false positives, said Smith.
According to the North Dakota Health Department, 441 cases of HIV/AIDS have been reported in the state since surveillance for the virus began in 1984.
In addition to being a test site, Richland County will provide counseling and referrals to patients at risk.
"As a counselor and test site what may take some time to get used to is watching the test and seeing the result and learning to guide the counseling session toward the result," Smith said. "If you see that test turning positive, then questions that will assess the patient's readiness to hear that the test is preliminary positive."
Before rapid testing was made available, Smith and counselors statewide would have a few days to prepare what to say to their client.
On average, Smith says she see six to eight patients per month who request HIV testing. Many of them are of a younger generation.
"It's such a comfort to know young people are being mature and responsible," Smith said.
She recommends any people engaging in risky behavior – unprotected sex, needle sharing for drug use, tattooing or body piercing – or who are beginning a new sexual relationship, make an appointment for the new rapid test.
"Knowing your status can give you some kind of comfort," Smith said.
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