Table 1 Comparisons between community-based RHT and clinical services offering conventional HIV testing in Queensland
| Â | Community-based Peer Testing Services e.g., RAPID | Public Sexual Health Service (PSHS) or Primary Care Provider |
|---|---|---|
HIV test available | RHT | Conventional whole blood sample testing (RHT available in some PSHS) |
Who performs HIV pre-test information and test | Trained Peer Testing Facilitator (LGBTQI+ people) | Clinician (e.g., Specialist Sexual Health/HIV Registered Nurses (RN), Sexual Health Physician/HIV Specialist or GP) |
Results Waiting time | Â | Â |
 RHT | In-house | In-house |
 Conventional |  | Off-site at public pathology service |
Confirmatory HIV testing | If the test is RHT reactive –conventional HIV test performed by Trained Peer Testing Facilitator and specimen sent to private pathology service for analysis | Analysis performed on initial whole blood sample |
Confirmed HIV positive | Referred off-site to PSHS or GP of clients choice for HIV careb | HIV care provided on-siteb |
Appointment/Walk-in | Walk-in | Appointment +/− walk-in for symptomatic |
Location | Community sites, SOPVs, LGBTQI+ events | Clinics and GP practices |
Cost of service to clients | Free | PSHS free, GP may require a co-payment in addition to Medicarea fee |
Cost to Health System | Cost effective population testing, but more expensive for HIV reactive results because requires additional test | Less cost effective for population screening than RHT, but for those receiving a positive result it is cheaper than community-based RHT |
Pre-test information and sexual health history | Often do not take full history, but provide education while waiting for results | Full sexual history generally standard practice |