Email 362: Concerns About the HIV Test

Posted by Pozziepinoy on 5:37 PM

Hi pozzie,

I Just want to ask if the 3 months rapid test will be conclusive enough for the hiv test? What if it is positive?  It will need a confirmation on DOH doing elisa test? What if it is negative? Is it conclusive enough that you are negative for the rest of your life? Do ritm clinic provide free hiv test?

Thank you,
Kuripo

POZZIEPINOY'S RESPONSE

Hi Kuripo.

Thank you for your email. Thank you for finding the blog.

Usually beyond 3 months post exposure is the best time to take the HIV Test. Although in all the books, 3 months is already conclusive, still most of the HIV doctors in the country would still insist to still take the test even on the 6th month post exposure. No matter what it is still a win-win situation. It is your health and it is better to be proactive about it. On my part, I always tell my friends to take the HIV test on a yearly basis, as part of their annual medical check up. 

Responding to your other concern, the initial screening test is done to detect if the blood sample is positive or not for HIv. If it turns out to be positive, then an ELISA Test will be done by the DOH to confirm if it is really HIV or not. If in the screening, the HIV test turns out negative, it can either be one, the blood drawn is indeed negative for HIV or second, the blood drawn may still be in the window period of HIV antibody production. That is the reason why doctors still push for either the 3 month or 6 month window period for HIV testing.

RITM Satellite Clinic in Malate provides free HIV test. You can out the link here:

RITM SATELLITE CLINIC

I hope I was able to answer your concerns. Feel free to email me again if you have other questions.

Stay healthy,
Pozziepinoy