EACS2023: 882 A friendly, rapid testing and counseling approach to improve linkage to care: our experience at Latina Checkpoint and hospital center G. Mancarella , S. Garattini , A. Carraro , A. Gasperin , S. Corazza , S.G. De Maria , D. Di Trento , A. Parente , A. Grimaldi , F. Izzo , L. Battisti , S. Cacace , M. Lichtner La Sapienza, University of Rome, Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Latina, Italy General data Abstract category: Access and delivery of care Abstract body Purpose: The Covid19 pandemic had a heavy impact on chronic illness management such as HIV. As the newly diagnosis are often late presenters, we must improve screening campaigns and early diagnosis. Two years ago, the city of Latina joined the Fast Track Cities network and the Checkpoint initiative. In this work, we want to talk about our year and a half experience. Method: Who wants to be tested at our Checkpoint can schedule an online anonymous appointment. We first provide a community-based counseling and then HIV (Ab and p24), HCV(Ab) and Syphilis(Ab) tests. Results are given in 15 minutes and uploaded on the COBATEST website. In our clinic no scheduled appointment is needed, a phlebotomy is performed, results are available in 3 days, counseling is conducted by ID specialists and all three tests are offered. Data were collected with COBATEST export tool, compared to the clinic ones and analyzed with chi square and student t test. Results: From January 2022 to nowadays, 248 people have been tested at our Checkpoint (Table 1). All HIV tests resulted negative, whereas 1 HCV and 2 syphilis resulted positive and promptely treated. Although the majority of people at Checkpoint didn’t report sexual risk behaviour, just a few use condoms. Meanwhile at the clinic they openly refer unprotected sex. People tested at Checkpoint are younger, didn’t know about PrEP and wanted info about it, whereas people already on PrEP choose to be tested in our clinic. Conclusions: Our Checkpoint experience highlighted its great role in terms of prevention and linkage to care. We should promote more our prevention tools, such as PrEP and PEP and raise sexual awareness. Improving our Checkpoint activities will help us getting closer to the Fast Track Cities goal of ending the HIV epidemic. General conditions 1. I confirm that I previewed this abstract and that all information is correct. I accept that the content of this abstract cannot be modified or corrected after the submission deadline and I am aware that it will be published exactly as submitted.: Yes 2. I confirm that the submission of the abstract constitutes my consent to publication (e.g. conference website, programmes, other promotions, etc.). : Yes 3. I herewith confirm that the contact details saved in this system are those of the corresponding author, who will be notified about the status of the abstract. The corresponding author is responsible for informing the other authors about the status of the abstract.: Yes 4. I agree that all data provided may be used (saved, stored, processed, transmitted and deleted) in compliance with the privacy policy to provide the services described.: Yes 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 53
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