Information on HIV Testing

What is an HIV test?

More accurately, what we call an HIV test is actually a test for HIV-antibodies, which are produced by the human body in response to the HIV when a person is infected. It is much quicker and cheaper to test for the antibodies rather than the virus itself.

When should I go for an HIV test?

The decision to take an HIV test is an important one, and can sometimes be quite difficult to make. But once you have decided, here is a guide to when you should test.

If you think you may have been exposed to HIV as a result of high risk sexual behaviour.

At 0 to 3 weeks after exposure:

  • Testing is NOT recommended, unless there had been several high risk exposures, and there has been no previous HIV testing done.

At 3 to 4 weeks after exposure:

  • Testing is recommended.
  • But re-testing is needed.

At 3 months after exposure:

  • Testing is recommended, result would be highly accurate.
  • But re-testing is needed for added assurance.

At 6 months after exposure:

  • Testing is recommended.
  • Re-testing is NOT needed, unless there had been other exposures.

Why do I have to wait 3 to 4 weeks before I take a test, and why do I sometimes have to re-test?
This is because the test used detects HIV antibodies, not the HIV itself. The HIV antibodies appear only after a period of time following the body’s exposure to the HIV. This is known as the “window period”, and ranges from 3 weeks to 6 months. So anyone who comes to test during their “window period” would be asked to come back for a re-test.
Where can I get tested for HIV?

HIV-testing which requires registration with an NRIC or passport:

  1. Polyclinics
  2. Department of STI Control (DSC) Clinic
  3. Private general practitioners

HIV-testing which is anonymous & does not require registration: