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This article discusses the perceptions of professionals and users about counselling practices at a counselling and testing centre in Porto Alegre/RS based on interviews with 27 service users and 14 members of the staff. The following categories emerged from thematic analysis: professionals’ perceptions on counselling, users’ perceptions on counselling and changes in counselling due to the introduction of rapid test procedures. The results show that, although initially there were some imprecision and apparent contradictions in its use, rapid testing was considered an invitation to rethink practices, bringing service closer to users’ needs.

RESUMO Objetivou-se investigar como a política de descentralização do aconselhamento e teste rápido de HIV (Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana), sífilis e hepatites foi implementada a partir do matriciamento das equipes de Atenção Básica em Porto Alegre. É um estudo qualitativo, no qual foram realizadas oito entrevistas com matriciadoras. Entre os aspectos positivos, estão a realização da capacitação dos profissionais da Atenção Básica, de interconsultas, supervisões e visitas. Essas experiências destacam a potencialidade de um trabalho mais horizontal entre os níveis de atenção especializado e básico. Entre os aspectos considerados negativos, destacam-se a ênfase na parte técnica do teste e a descontinuidade do matriciamento. ABSTRACT The aim of this research was to investigate how the decentralization of counseling and rapid testing for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), syphilis, and hepatitis B and C have been implemented in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil, using matrix support with Primary Health Care teams. It is a qualitative study, in which eight matrix supporters were interviewed. Positive aspects include training of Primary Health Care professionals, interconsultation, supervision, and visits. Such experiences point out the potentiality of more horizontal work between primary and specialized levels of care. Negative aspects include the emphasis on the technical aspect of the test and the discontinuity of matrix support.