DO IT NOW
Having fun can be quick and easy – getting tested for HIV or an STI is like that too. Knowing your status is now faster and simpler than ever.
Say goodbye to months of waiting and anxiety. Using test kits that are highly accurate and provide results quickly, all it takes is a small amount of time and a little patience to keep yourself assured and confident.
DO IT ANYWHERE
It’s not difficult to get tested for HIV, as many clinics, hospitals, and community health centres offer them. These places will handle your test with confidentiality – whatever happens in the clinic, stays at the clinic.
Some offer rapid HIV or STI tests at a minimal cost, or even free of charge. Others may provide a full HIV and STI package test at an extra cost.
HIV TESTING
Many clinics perform HIV tests anonymously – you won’t have to share personal details, your identity card, or even your real name.
All government clinics (Klinik Kesihatan) principally offer anonymous testing without asking for your identity card or personal details, but this may differ from clinic to clinic. Some private clinics may also require personal details upon registering. If in doubt, call ahead to inquire.
The clinic or testing centre may offer different choices of HIV tests, depending on availability. Each test has different window periods, which is the time taken for it to conclusively detect infection, and processing times.
- A HIV antigen test detects the presence of the substance that is produced when HIV infects your body. It has a 1-month window period. A rapid test kit provides results in 15-20 minutes.
- A HIV antibody test detects the presence of the protein that is produced by the immune system in response to the presence of HIV antigens in your blood. It has a 3-month window period. A rapid test kit provides results in 15-20 minutes.
- A HIV serology test detects the presence of the virus itself. It has a window period of about 1-2 weeks, but laboratory or clinic processing times may delay your results by a few days to a couple of weeks.
You can expect the test to take place in a safe and welcoming environment by experienced counsellors, who will guide you through every step and provide advice on keeping yourself safe. Some government clinics may perform the test in a public area, such as the waiting room – if this is the case, you may ask for the test to be done in a private area.
The counsellor conducting your test will first discuss your risk profile before doing the rapid test. Then, a sample of your blood will be drawn, either through a finger prick or using a needle and syringe depending on the test.
HIV test results using rapid test kits are normally returned to you within 30 to 45 minutes. You will have the opportunity to discuss your results with the counsellor administering your test.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A HIV TEST?
Register at the counter.
Pre-test consultation with the doctor, nurse or counsellor.
The actual test itself. One prick of blood is all they need!
Wait for the rapid test to do its thing.
Results and post-test counselling.
