P335 Assessment of Changes and Coping Mechanisms in a Large, Stand-alone HIV Testing Centre, in India, During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Muralidhar, S.; Khunger, N.

BackgroundThe sudden emergence of the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic, saw the world grappling with a never-before crisis situation in all walks of life. The repercussions were many, and each country, and discipline of medicine, handled it in the best way possible. Our HIV testing laboratory, catering to the large population of Delhi and neighboring states, faced many challenges and handled them, during the pandemic, which are discussed.MethodsThe study-setting is the stand-alone Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre (ICTC) for HIV, located in the capital city of New Delhi, India. The study period included a full year from March 2020 to February 2021, when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country. Various aspects of the changes in our HIV testing facility during the lockdown were studied, including- changes in footfall, demography of clients, availability of staff and supplies, numbers tested for HIV, HIV positivity and Covid-19 patients tested for HIV.ResultsThe study yielded mixed results, with some parameters showing a decline (numbers tested, female to male ratio, fall in numbers of children and elderly tested for HIV, fall in laboratory errors), some parameters remaining the same (kits and supplies, HIV positivity percentage of 2- 4%), and some other parameters showing a distinct increase in numbers (efficiency of laboratory staff as measured by fall in errors, improvement in competency assessment scores, attendance in training programs and compliance with standard precautions, documentation and record keeping). A totally new parameter included in this study was the testing of Covid-19 positive patients for HIV, with a positivity of 2.08%.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study yielded some interesting revelations on various aspects of working in an HIV testing laboratory. It has clearly demonstrated that adversities can be used as opportunities for improvement in work ethics, documentation, service providing skills and practice of universal work precautions.