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TEST OFTEN

Getting tested for HIV and STIs is a serious matter, and we know how it can be scary or nerve-wracking for you. We’re here to tell you that you shouldn’t feel that way.

DO IT NOW

Having fun can be quick and easy – getting tested for HIV or an STI is like that too. Knowing your status is now faster and simpler than ever.

Say goodbye to months of waiting and anxiety. Using test kits that are highly accurate and provide results quickly, all it takes is a small amount of time and a little patience to keep yourself assured and confident.

DO IT ANYWHERE

It’s not difficult to get tested for HIV, as many clinics, hospitals, and community health centres offer them. These places will handle your test with confidentiality – whatever happens in the clinic, stays at the clinic.

Some offer rapid HIV or STI tests at a minimal cost, or even free of charge. Others may provide a full HIV and STI package test at an extra cost.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

HIV TESTING

Many clinics perform HIV tests anonymously – you won’t have to share personal details, your identity card, or even your real name. A list of these clinics is available in our Clinic Finder.

All government clinics (Klinik Kesihatan) principally offer anonymous testing without asking for your identity card or personal details, but this may differ from clinic to clinic. Some private clinics may also require personal details upon registering. If in doubt, call ahead to inquire.

TYPES OF HIV TEST

The clinic or testing centre may offer different choices of HIV tests, depending on availability. Each test has different window periods, which is the time taken for it to conclusively detect infection, and processing times.

  • A HIV antigen test detects the presence of the substance that is produced when HIV infects your body. It has a 1-month window period. A rapid test kit provides results in 15-20 minutes.
  • A HIV antibody test detects the presence of the protein that is produced by the immune system in response to the presence of HIV antigens in your blood. It has a 3-month window period. A rapid test kit provides results in 15-20 minutes.
  • A HIV serology test detects the presence of the virus itself. It has a window period of about 1-2 weeks, but laboratory or clinic processing times may delay your results by a few days to a couple of weeks.

You can expect the test to take place in a safe and welcoming environment by experienced counsellors, who will guide you through every step and provide advice on keeping yourself safe. Some government clinics may perform the test in a public area, such as the waiting room – if this is the case, you may ask for the test to be done in a private area.

The counsellor conducting your test will first discuss your risk profile before doing the rapid test. Then, a sample of your blood will be drawn, either through a finger prick or using a needle and syringe depending on the test.

HIV test results using rapid test kits are normally returned to you within 30 to 45 minutes. You will have the opportunity to discuss your results with the counsellor administering your test.

WHAT HAPPENS AT A HIV TEST?

Step 1

Register at the counter.

Step 2

Pre-test consultation with the doctor, nurse or counsellor.

Step 3

The actual test itself. One prick of blood is all they need!

Step 4

Wait for the rapid test to do its thing.

Step 5

Results and post-test counselling.

Step 6

You can be on your way!

STI TESTING

If you’re testing for STIs, a sample of your blood will be taken, and it will be processed in a laboratory. Your test results will be returned to you in two days to two weeks or more depending on the service. Clinics with on-site lab facilities can take as fast as two hours.

WHAT HAPPENS AT AN STI TEST?

Step 1

Register at the counter.

Step 2

Pre-test consultation with the doctor, nurse or counsellor.

Step 3

The actual test itself. They may need to draw blood using a syringe.

Step 4

Hang on a little as your blood is analysed at a lab

Step 5

Results and post-test counselling.

Step 6

You can be on your way!

Some clinics may also offer a full HIV and STI package test. While this is a great way to know the entirety of your HIV and STI status, rapid HIV and STI tests are just as accurate, and take a lot less time and money.

Use our Clinic Finder to explore your options for quick and anonymous HIV and STI testing. No IC, no waiting, no nonsense.

DO IT REGULARLY

You’re bigger than you think! Everyone in the community is very important in the fight towards ending HIV. That’s why it’s necessary to take care of yourself, your partners, and the rest of our community too.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Get tested at least once every six months, and more frequently if you’re sexually active, have bareback sex regularly, or have chem fun.
  • Having a moment? If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, go for a test as soon as possible and discuss with your tester about going on PEP within 72 hours after exposure.
  • You’re busy with life. You forget sometimes, and we understand. Join our Loyal Tester programme to get personalised testing reminders, along with many other perks just for you.
  • Need to be sure? Test for syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and other STIs while you’re at it. Use our Clinic Finder to find a testing centre near you, and ask the staff for more information.
  • Do your part in helping others by educating yourself about HIV/AIDS and how to minimize your risk of contracting the virus. Click here to find out how you can help each other out.

Getting tested regularly keeps you in the loop about your HIV status. It allows you to consider all the options you can take to maintain the HIV-negative status of you and your sexual partners, such as condoms, PEP and PrEP.

 

 

WHAT DO I DO IF I’M TESTED POSITIVE?

If you’re tested HIV positive, there’s no need to be afraid – help is readily available. Your testing center will refer you to a hospital, where you can go to seek further treatment. HIV treatment is free for all Malaysian citizens at government healthcare facilities, and the sooner you start treatment, the faster you will be able to manage it.

Once you start seeking treatment at a hospital, your doctor is obliged by law to report your case to the Ministry of Health and District Health Office for statistical purposes, and a District Health Officer will be in touch to counsel you about treatment.

It’s very important that you speak to them when they get in touch with you – an officer may visit your place of residence or the address registered in your identity card if they are unable to contact you by phone.

Throughout this process, your personal and health information is kept confidential and will not be shared without your permission; it is not necessary to disclose this information with anyone else.

Click here to read more about HIV.

 

PROMOTION

Start your journey to better sexual health, today!

Get 50% off an anonymous HIV & syphilis combination rapid test at Community Health Care Centre (CHCC), Sentul, Kuala Lumpur. Offer is for a limited time only!

Click this link to get your voucher code.

Testing sessions are strictly by appointment.
To schedule your appointment, please WhatsApp CHCC at:
+60 11 2143 4572.

Terms and conditions apply.

CONTACT US