Introduction:
The use of screening tools for targeted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing improves efficiency by identifying individuals, who are likely to test positive. Effective utilization of screening tools needs an understanding of healthcare workers (HCWs) and willingness to use these tools. In this study, health workers' perspectives on screening tools were determined to augment their effective and consistent utilization.

Material and methods:
A qualitative study among HCWs at eight selected primary healthcare facilities in Zimbabwe was conducted. Interviewer-guided, in-depth interviews were performed with HCWs and their immediate supervisors. Inductive and deductive coding (hybrid) was applied to develop and analyze themes following a framework built around the grounded theory model to describe perspectives, which influence effective and consistent utilization of HIV screening tools as well as suggestions for enhanced eligibility screening.

Results:
Behavioral factors facilitating the application of a screening tool included motivation to adhere to standard practice, awareness of screening role in targeting testing, and its ability to manage workload through screening out ineligible subjects. This was apparent across all service delivery levels. Barriers included limited healthcare capacity, lack of confidentiality space, multiple screening tools, obscure screening in/out criteria, and the possibility of subjects not responding to screening questions truthfully.

Conclusions:
Across all geographical and service delivery levels, the correct placing of screening tool at HIV testing entry points and HCWs knowledge on screening in/out criteria, emerged as the key factors for correct and consistent utilization of screening tools. Standardization of the tools would improve their appropriate choice and utilization.