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Why should I consider screening for HIV at your clinic when there
are so many other choices? |
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We are an approved clinic to administer the OraQuick® HIV tests. We are also on the Ministry of Health (MOH) approved anonyous HIV Screening Centre. |
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Is this an expensive test? |
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Absolutely not. We have priced it affordably and in doing so, have made it possible for you to undertake this fuss free, highly accurate test. |
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Will this test be carried out on an anonymous basis? |
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Yes, this test, and the results are completely confidential. No one would have known that you have came for the test- its as simple as 1-2-3! |
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Will there be any information recorded? |
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No information will be recorded. Even if the results of the test should prove to be positive for HIV, no person or authority will be informed. |
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What is HIV/AIDS? |
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HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It is possible for an individual to have the virus for years before any sign of the illness appears. The virus attacks, and destroys the body’s ability to fight off infections. This condition can cause serious illnesses such as infections and cancers, which will kill the patient if left untreated. |
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How is the test conducted? What is used in the testing process? |
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The OraQuick® Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody test is a visually read, qualitative immunochromatographic test for the detection of antibodies to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) and Type 2 (HIV-2) in human oral fluid, fingerstick whole blood, venipuncture whole blood, or plasma specimens. The porous flat pad that contacts the gums is treated with a mild surfactant, and no materials of viral origin are used in the manufacture of the test. Each pouch contains a test device (with desiccant) and a developer solution vial to test 1 specimen. |
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We will collect one oral fluid sample or a small droplet of blood from your finger, or even draw blood from your vein, run the test, and give the results to you during the same visit. |
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Because OraQuick® is a rapid test, results having laboratory accuracy can be obtained within 20 minutes, therefore reducing the stress and anxiety that stems from longer waiting times, as well as blood taking. However, additional testing is required to confirm a reactive result.* |
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*If the OraQuick® shows a result positive for HIV, we will draw blood and sent it to the lab for a comfirmatory test. This will STILL BE ANONYMOUS |
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When should I test for HIV? |
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You should test for HIV within 2 to 4 weeks after exposure and again at 3 months.
Also, test for HIV if you develop symptoms of Fever, Muscle Aches, Rashes, Sore Throat and Enlarged Lymph Nodes. |
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Should I also test for other STDs? |
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If you have been exposed to HIV then it is very likely that you have been exposed to other STDs. Because of this, we highly recommend that you also screen for other STDs such as Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Hepatitis, Herpes and Warts. |
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Please speak to us for more details when you come for your anonymous HIV screening. |
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What are the symptoms of HIV? |
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The earliest symptoms of HIV appear at about 4 to 6 weeks after exposure. The most common symptoms are Fever, Muscle Aches, Rashes, Sore Throat and Enlarged Lymph Nodes. These symptoms usually disappear after 2 weeks. |
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HIV then remains silent for many years until it causes AIDS. |
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What is PEP? |
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PEP stands for Post Exposure Prophylaxis. |
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It is a regimen of medications that can prevent the onset of HIV in people who have had very high-risk exposure to HIV. It MUST be started within 72 hours of exposure. |
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Please speak to us for more details if you feel that you might benefit from this treatment. |
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What is the HIV PCR test? |
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PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction. It is a test that detects the amount of HIV viral proteins in the blood. |
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It is currently NOT recommended for diagnosis and screening. It is chiefly used to monitor disease progress in people who have already been diagnosed with HIV. |
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What if the OraQuick Test is positive for HIV? |
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We will draw a blood sample and send it to the laboratory for a confirmatory test called a Western Blot. This test will STILL BE ANONYMOUS. |
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The Western Blot test will take 2 to 3 weeks for results. |
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What if the Western Blot test is positive for HIV? |
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This confirms a HIV infection.
Our doctor will counsel you on the various treatment options available. |
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Everything up to this point is STILL ANONYMOUS. You are NOT REQUIRED to disclose any personal information. |
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What if I choose to disclose my personal information? |
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You may choose to disclose you personal data purely on a VOLUNTARY BASIS or if you choose to attain treatment at the Singapore Communicable Diseases Centre. |
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If you do so, these are the notification requirements in accordance with the Infectious Diseases Act of Singapore: |
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- HIV positive people are required by law to disclose their HIV status to their sexual partners before engaging in sexual intercourse.
- HIV positive people are recommended to disclose their HIV status to medical and dental personnel performing invasive procedures on them.
- The HIV positive person is encouraged to get his/her sexual partners and others who might be exposed (such as children of HIV positive mothers) to test.
- The person will also be referred to the Communicable Disease Centre (CDC) of Tan Tock Seng, which is the national referral center for HIV/AIDS for further management.
- Apart from the above situations, no one (including employers and other family members) will be notified, as the Infectious Disease Act protects the identity of HIV infected people and prohibits the unwarranted disclosure of information, which can identify someone as being HIV positive.
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