Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) for HIV usually involves two counseling sessions: one prior to taking the test known as "pre-test counseling" and one following the HIV test when the results are given, often referred to as "post-test counseling". Counseling focuses on the infection (HIV), the disease (AIDS), the test, and positive behavior change. VCT has become popular in many parts of Africa as a way for a person to learn their HIV status. VCT centers and counselors often use rapid HIV tests that require a drop of blood or some cells from the inside of one's cheek; the tests are cheap, require minimal training, and provide accurate results in about 15 minutes.

Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) enables individuals to deal constructively with the possibility that they might be infected with HIV. Studies have shown that VCT may be a cost-effective part of prevention of HIV infection . VCT includes good-quality pretest and posttest counseling and proper referral to follow-up services, which enable clients to

(1) prepare for the possibility that the test results could be positive;

(2) carefully prepare strategies to mobilize support from a potentially hostile social environment; and

(3) become acquainted with the concept of “living positively with HIV”

Thus, mandatory HIV testing is inadequate and unethical, and by no means should it be considered a “simple” shortcut to getting HIV-positive patients to help prevent the spread of HIV to others. HIV testing needs to be part of a “package” of support and care services. These need to begin