Living with HIV in the Philippines: Email 651: Release of the HIV Test?

Hi,

I would like to ask for how long will it take for the following testing site to release the result? (Manila Social Hygiene Clinic, San Lazaro Hospital, RITM malate).

Do I have to wait for days or weeks before getting it? or do they release it after a few hours after taking the specimen?

Thank you.
XXX

POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE

Hi XXX.

Thank you for your email.

All HIV testing centres, release the HIV test (rapid test) result from a few hours to a day after the HIV test if the result is negative (non-reactive). If in the rapid test, it turns out positive (reactive), the blood sample will be sent to DOH-SACCL or RITM for the confirmatory test (Western Blot test). This will take 2 weeks if the test was done in Metro Manila and up to one month if the test is taken in the province. The confirmatory result is needed to enrol in an HIV/AIDS treatment hub.

However, if you take the HIV test in RITM Satellite Clinic in Malate, two tests are already done to the blood sample and if the result (which comes out in only 2 hours), is positive (reactive), the client can be accepted in RITM-ARG in Alabang and there is no need to wait for the confirmatory HIV result which will also take 2 weeks to be released.

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

Stay healthy,

Pozziepinoy