Living with HIV in the Philippines: Email 312: Anxious About the HIV Test Result

Hi!

I stumbled upon your blog while i was searching for HIV in the Philippines. Thank you for putting up such blog. It is inspiring for those who are stricken by virus. It gives them hope and positive outlook in life.

Anyways, I was searching for HIV symptoms because my friend who had a medical examination as a requirement for his working abroad got the saddest news of his life just this morning. He was told that his blood is infected and so had another blood test and be brought to the DOH. He was told to wait for a week or two for the result. The period of waiting makes him more anxious.

Can you please advise...

XXX

POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE

Hi XXX.

Thank you for your email. Thank you for finding the blog and for the kind words about it.

With regards to your question, since he tested positive for the rapid test, he really needs to wait for the confirmatory test for 2 weeks or more. The Western Blot test will be done which is more HIV sensitive.

I know that anxiety of waiting is a killer, so if he wants to know for sure if he is infected or not, he can go to RITM Satellite Clinic in Malate and take the test again. Two tests are being done there and the result comes out only in 2 hours. The result of the two tests is already confirmatory whether he has HIV or not and no need for him to wait for another two weeks. It is a win-win situation because if just in case he tested positive, then he will definitely know the status of him working abroad and can focus on treatment.

Click on this:

RITM SATELLITE CLINIC

When he goes there, just look for Nurse Nicka or Nurse Trisha and tell them that Pozziepinoy referred him. Don't worry, the staff there are al professional, non judgmental and very friendly.

Also, while waiting, he can start reading some of the previous blog entries here:

1. Where To Start?

2. New Pozzie Needs Direction

3. What to do Once You Are A Pozzie

4. Next Steps?

5. Taking the Next Steps

6. Waiting for the Confirmatory Result

7. Our Next Steps

8. Where Do I start?

9. Answers to Questions

10. Things To Do While Waiting

11. Choosing the Best Hub