Notices

• 10 Jan 2012
  ATS CNY Closure
  
  The anonymous test site will be closed during Chinese New Year (24th & 25th Feb 2012).
  
  We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
  Gong Xi Fa Cai!
• On Going
  The Act
  
  This issue of the act covers a myriad of topics from travel restrictions, the launch of Singapore's first mobile HIV testing service and reports from this year's ICAAP. Read it now
  Download the magazine
• On Going
  Anonymous Test Site
  
  Every last Tuesday of the month will be "Women-friendly Day"

GET TESTED - ANONYMOUS HIV TESTING HERE !

Notice! The anonymous test site is closed for Chinese New Year on Tuesday (24th Feb 2012) and Wednesday (25th Feb 2012). We would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused and wishing all a prosperous Year of the Dragon.

This is a place where anonymous (i.e. you do not need to provide your identity) HIV testing is available in Singapore . No personal particulars are recorded even with positive results.

There are trained volunteers on hand to provide pre- and post-test counselling for clients.

Test results are available within 60 mins of doing the test.
If you are unsure about what happens at the test site, click the link to view a video and walk through of the whole process of testing. Anonymous HIV testing in 4 steps

If help is needed, you can call the HIV/AIDS Hotline at 6254 0212.

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The map below shows the location of the DSC/ATS Clinic. We are well served by an extensive network of public transport and taxis. If you drive, parking lots are available in Block 31 Kelantan Lane.

View Larger Map

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ANONYMOUS HIV TESTING IN 4 STEPS

Step 1: Reception

You come into the clinic, & pay $30 to the volunteer at the Reception counter. You can request for OraQuick if you prefer.
We will give you a receipt with a number on it. This helps us to identify you, not by name or any other means.
You will also be asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire, so that you can tell us a little bit more about yourself.
The information you provide will be kept anonymous and confidential. Your counsellor will call your number when it's your turn and they are ready to see you.

Step 2: Pre-test Counselling

This is done inside one of the consultation rooms, and the session is kept anonymous & confidential. For the purpose of doing an HIV risk assessment, your counsellor will ask you some personal questions about your risk behaviour. Some notes may be taken down on the form, but this will still remain anonymous & confidential. You should take this opportunity to ask your counsellor any questions you have about HIV, safer sex or sexual health.

Step 3: OraQuick or Blood Testing

OraQuick

If you have chosen to have OraQuick (oral fluid test) your counsellor will take you through the test in the same room where you are counselled.

Blood testing

For blood testing, you will then be asked to wait outside the testing room until your number is called.
When it's your turn, the volunteer tester will call your number. Your finger will be pricked to get a few drops of blood for the HIV-antibody test strip.
Only sterile & disposable equipment are used for this procedure, including gloves, needles, test strips, and cotton wool.

Step 4: Result & Post-test Counselling

About 15 minutes after the blood-test, your counsellor will again call your number to give you the result for your HIV test.

About 20 mins after the OraQuick test, your counsellor will again call your number to give you the result for your HIV test.

Important Note on Window Period before coming down for a test:

The time period between when a person is actually infected with HIV and when antibodies to HIV can be detected in the test is called the window period.
Nearly everyone who is infected with HIV (99%) will have antibodies detected by 3 months after infection.
However, currently used antibody tests are more sensitive than those used in the past.
Most people will develop detectable antibodies by 30 days after infection with HIV.
You are therefore able to do your HIV test at our clinic from the first month of exposure, then confirm your status once more in the third month.

Action for AIDS, Singapore adopted the estimate of 3 months window period in consultation with several agencies overseas that provide similar voluntary HIV counseling and testing services. Most agencies have adopted the 3 month estimate as evidence based and reliable. In addition we strongly encourage the adoption of protected sex for all casual sexual exposures. For persons with high risk behaviours we encourage annual HIV testing. With reference to the most recent BASHH guidelines - http://www.bashh.org/documents/63/63.pdf

When to consider testing for HIV - recommended guidelines

Recommendations

• Any patient presenting to a GUM clinic should be offered an HIV test regardless of signs or symptoms of disease or risk factors for infection. III B
• It is recommended that patients have a baseline HIV test done at presentation and if necessary this be repeated at 3 months from the time of any risk activity. IIb B
• People exposed to the risk of HIV should not be fully reassured until at least 3 months have passed during which they remain sero-negative (the window period). IV C
• The benefits from knowing the diagnosis, and thus being able to act on this, has clearly been shown to improve the life expectancy of the individual and may outweigh many other issues 6.
• Improved antibody tests and the application of PCR tests have served to lessen the interval it takes to detect infection (in some cases less than 2 weeks from exposure). Patients asked to return 3 months after suspected high risk activity for HIV transmission often fail to do so 7.
  Thus, testing of individuals should not be delayed for 3 months, particularly in those suspected of infection: those unwell or who may be seroconverting. IIb B
• Observational data are limited 8-14, but in ten years of application of the 'three months rule' by all members of the UK HIV Laboratory Forum no reports of its failure have been received, and thus it is recommended that in general the three month rule continues to be applied 15.