While the prevalence of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is low in Singapore compared to other neighbouring nations, the Ministry of Health (MOH) maintains its goal to put an end to this infectious disease by spreading awareness and providing Singaporeans with necessary support in combating infections. If you suspect that you have symptoms, there are many ways to undergo an HIV test in Singapore. Read this article to know more about the available tests and what to expect during HIV testing.
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Where to go for HIV Testing in Singapore
HIV testing can be availed at different healthcare providers in Singapore. These are:
- Community Testing Events
- Private Clinics and Hospitals
- Public Health Clinics and Hospitals
- Self-testing Kits
Community Testing Events: Many non-profit organisations that advocate for HIV awareness organise events that allow people from different backgrounds to discuss their views about this sensitive topic and provide an avenue for participants to get tested within a supportive environment.
Private Clinics and Hospitals: Anonymous and confidential HIV testing is offered in many private clinics and hospitals in Singapore. If you want to get your results fast, this is your best option although it may be a much more expensive option.
Public Health Clinics and Hospitals: Subsidised HIV testing are often available at public health clinics and hospitals.
Self-testing Kits: In August of 2022, the HIV Self-Testing Pilot Programme was launched by the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. The objective of this programme is to encourage at-risk individuals to get tested and begin treatment upon early detection of the infection in order to improve their quality of life and minimise the risk of further spreading HIV to the community.
Options and expectations during HIV Testing
Knowing what to expect during your HIV testing will help ease your anxious thoughts and be mentally prepared on the day of your procedure. Here are the different steps that you can anticipate to happen:
- Counselling before the HIV testing – Pre-test counselling is usually given by healthcare providers to individuals who come for HIV testing. This conversation informs the individual about the process of the testing, the possible results, and the significance of follow-up care and consultations. Any questions or concerns that you may have about HIV can be raised during these sessions.
- Types of testing – HIV testing is done by either collecting an oral fluid sample using a mouth swab or a blood sample drawn from a vein or through a finger prick. Below are the types of HIV testing depending on various preferences and risk levels:
- Conventional Laboratory-Based Blood Test
Accuracy: Highly accurate.
How it is done:
- Blood sample collection usually drawn from a vein in the arm.
- Blood samples are tested and analysed in a laboratory.
- Interpretation of results.
- HIV Rapid Tests
Accuracy: Accurate
How it is done:
- Blood sample collection usually by pricking the finger or oral fluid collection done by swabbing the gums.
- The collected sample is placed on the testing tool. The sample coats the test strip and will show a visible line when HIV antibodies are present.
- Results can show and be interpreted in as quick as 20 minutes.
- HIV Self-Test Kits
Accuracy: Generally accurate when used correctly
How it is done:
- Purchase the self-test kit from the National Skin Centre Pharmacy.
- Read and carefully follow the instructions on the kit.
- Sample collection is often done by pricking the finger and collecting a tiny amount of blood, which is then placed on a specific area of the testing tool.
- Results will appear within 15 to 20 minutes. Positive results should be followed up by an HIV test through a laboratory to be more accurate.
- Interpretation of results – The result of your HIV test may be obtained in as quick as a few minutes or may extend to a few days depending on the type of test you used.
The result of your HIV test will come out as either positive or negative. A positive result means that there are HIV antibodies present in your body. This will require further testing for confirmation and accuracy. A negative result indicates that there are no HIV antibodies detected in the body. Getting a negative result does not always mean that you are free from HIV, especially if your exposure is quite recent. To ensure that your test result is accurate, a follow-up test is recommended after a few weeks.
For self-test kits, your result may also be a false positive or a false negative. A false positive result is an indication that you have been infected by HIV when in reality there are no antibodies present in your body. A false negative will show that you are free from the virus even though you are actually infected with the virus. This usually happens when the infection is fairly recent and the number of antibodies are not sufficient to be detected by the testing kit.
- Counselling and support – There are many types of counselling and support available for individuals who have tested positive for HIV, including:
- Healthcare support – Individuals living with HIV in Singapore have access to subsidised or free antiretroviral therapy (ART). Clinics that specialise in HIV management and treatments are also within reach.
- Medical subsidies – The Ministry of Health (MOH) provides subsidies of the cost of some antiretroviral medications for citizens and permanent residents of Singapore.
- Psychological and social support – Support services can be accessed through professional counselling, support groups, and community organisations that advocate for HIV awareness.
Benefits of HIV Testing in Singapore
Getting tested for HIV in Singapore does not only do good to you, but the entire community as well. Here are the benefits:
- Early detection and treatment – Detecting HIV early allows you to get treatment as soon as possible. This increases your chances of living a healthier and longer life.
- Minimising spread of the virus – Knowing your HIV status enables you to protect the people around you from getting the virus.
- Better decision-making – You have the ability to make wiser decisions when it comes to your health, sexual practices, and relationships.
- Education and awareness – Undergoing an HIV test often comes with awareness and educational programmes that inform you about the virus, how it can be avoided, and other crucial information that can help prevent its transmission.
- Breaking the stigma – By getting tested for HIV, you help normalise the stigma that is associated with the virus. This is a supportive step that can encourage more at risk individuals to get tested without being afraid of judgement.
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Dr. B Medical Group – Women’s Health | HIV & STD Test Singapore
SBF Center Medical Suites #03-09
160 Robinson Road
+65 8881 2344
