Living with HIV in the Philippines: The Process of HIV Test and HV Treatment

A lot of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) are asking me the entire process of HIV testing here and HIV treatment since they would want to plan their trip home and to finish the entire process before going back to the country where they work.

A. HIV Test

1. In the HIV testing center, no need to schedule for an appointment. Just make sure to know the schedules of testing in the HIV testing center of choice.

Check out these HIV Testing Centers:

2. The Process of HIV Testing:

a. Filling out of the form. Real name is required.
b. Pre counselling
c. Drawing of blood
d. Waiting for the result: Usually, it will take from 2 hours to one whole day if the result is
negative. If the result is positive, no document will be presented but person will be
informed that the blood sample is being sent to DOH/ San Lazaro SACCL or RITM for
cofirmatory result.
i. In RITM Satellite Clinic in Malate, the final result comes out in 2 hours (2 tests are
done)
ii. in Manila testing centres, confirmatory result comes out after 2 weeks
iii. in provincial testing centres, confirmatory result comes out after a month.
e. Once the result is given, there will be a post counselling

Notes:

a. There is a window period for HIV antibodies to develop. This is 3 months post exposure.
b. Early HIV testing (before 3 months) may produce a negative result as HIV and person
will be advised to come back 3 months post exposure or 3 months post testing
depending on the centre.
c. However, it is still best to come as early as possible because there are cases that HIV
is detected early even in the rapid test. However, for OFW's this would be hard as they
will have to return to the country after 3 months again.
d. Best option for OFW's is to:
i. get an HIV test in another country nearest where HIV testing is safe to take
ii. take the HIV test 3 months post exposure here in the country to save money and
time.

B. HIV Treatment

1. Go to any HIV Treatment Hubs near your place:

HIV/AIDS Treatment Hubs

2. Present your confirmatory HIV test result and lab tests (if you have recent ones) to the
staff
3. Presription of Baseline Laboratory tests including CD4 test.

4. Waiting for all lab result

5. Consultation with doctor and prescription of HIV medicines (ARV's) if necessary.

Notes:

a. Usually it takes one or 2 weeks for the lab test results to come out.

b. Tip for OFW's. One week prior to coming to the Philippines, take all basic lab tests:

CBC, Chest Xray, TB test, cholesterol levels, liver function tests in the country where
you work to save time. Bring the result and present to the HIV test when you are in the
hub. Only recent results (taken less than 2 weeks, will be accepted). The other tests
which are HIv related (CD4 and/or Viral Load test can be done here.

c. CD4 count result usually takes time.

i. In private hospitals in Manila, its is expensive but comes out within a week.

ii. In government hubs, it comes out in a week

iii. In RITM-ARG in Alabang, it comes out in just 3 hours

-FREE if it is the hub where you enrol your documents

-with a fee if you are enrolled in a different hub

d. In the Philippines, ARV's are only given with CD4 350 and below. For OFW's, you can

arrange with the hubs on how they can send the medicines to you in your country.

C. Summary of the HIV Treatment Process