Get tested for HIV in under 20 minutes with a rapid HIV test in Singapore

Get tested for HIV in under 20 minutes with a rapid HIV test in Singapore : Like most of the world, HIV and AIDs are still considered taboo. And even with the continuous efforts of global organizations in raising awareness and breaking the stigma that comes along with HIV, it is still a long way to go for a conservative nation like Singapore.

This is why, even if it is important and relevant in today’s day and age, a lot of Singaporeans do not take HIV test seriously or even talk about it with the fear of being judged and discriminated by society, and even by their peers and family members.

This is a growing concern since most of the HIV-related causes of deaths are pinned on the late diagnosis of the infection. This is why, even with the stigma that looms over it, every person regardless of gender must make HIV test a part of their overall health assessment. To help you understand more about HIV and HIV test in Singapore, this article answers the questions that most people are afraid to ask.

What is HIV?

HIV is short for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. In short, HIV is a viral infection that can be transmitted through bodily fluids and can be acquired through several means such as:

It is can be transmitted through vaginal fluids, semen, and rectal fluids when practising casual sex, having multiple sexual partners and not using protective devices during sexual intercourse. It can also be transferred through blood transfusions and being injected with needles that are infected with HIV. Mother to child transmission can also happen in the womb and through breast milk.

Is having HIV mean that you have AIDS?

Until today, there’s still no available cure for HIV, and getting infected by it means that a person will have to deal with it for the rest of their lives, or until a cure is developed in their lifetime. If HIV is left undetected and with continued unhealthy habits, it can progress AIDS or acute immunodeficiency syndrome which is a serious condition that can take away your life. However, not all HIV infections develop into AIDS. However, HIV is left unchecked and if you don’t get treatment with antiretroviral drugs, the infection will weaken your immune system advances to AIDS, usually in about 10 to 15 years.

How is HIV detected?

When an individual has contracted HIV, his or her body produces antibodies as a defensive response to the virus. HIV infection is detected through specially designed tests that work by detecting these antibodies to indicate the presence of the virus. Most HIV tests include screening blood samples and other body fluid samples from a suspected individual.

What is the fastest way to get tested for HIV?

In Singapore, there are quick and easy HIV test kits that are available for everyone who wishes to get tested for HIV. These kits are called the Rapid HIV Test. These are screening tests with a quick result out within 20 minutes. A negative rapid HIV test results do not require confirmatory testing, but positive results require confirmation with both ELISA and Western Blot testing, which are the standard confirmatory tests for HIV.

If I got a negative test for the first time, does it mean I do not have HIV?

When it comes to HIV tests, there is a standard window period that medical practitioners observe and follow. This window period is the time between the time of HIV infection and the time when the virus is now detectable in the blood or body fluid sample. Typically, the window period of HIV infection can last for up to 3 months or longer. Because of this, if an individual with suspected HIV infection got an HIV test during the window period, that person will be asked to take the test again after 3 months since the first results may not reveal the true extent of infection.

Can I get tested for HIV anonymously in Singapore?

The thought of having HIV can be disheartening and challenging for anybody and it is perfectly understandable that a lot of men and women are reluctant and not open to getting themselves screened for HIV. DB Medical is one of these speciality clinics that are so passionate about helping men, women, and families live a healthier and happier life. They offer anonymous rapid HIV tests in Singapore where your identity is kept with full confidentiality, so there is no need to worry about being exposed even to your family and friends. The primary aim of this endeavour is to help men and women take better care of their health without the stigma and discrimination that comes with HIV testing.

Be ready for the future

HIV does not usually show early symptoms and can just take you by surprise and completely change your life in an instant. Therefore, before it’s too late, we should get ourselves tested as early as possible as a precautionary measure. Remember that early detection of any disease can play a significant role in the success of treatment. Get an anonymous rapid HIV Test in Singapore at DB Clinic today to help you better prepare for the future.

DB Medical: Women’s & Men’s Health Clinic
290 Orchard Rd, #14-10 Paragon Medical Centre,
Singapore 238859
+65 6733 7122