3 Reasons Why You Should Get HIV Testing In STD Clinics

Getting tested for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) may seem daunting to many people. HIV testing is scary because many of us fear seeing a positive result. But HIV testing is crucial for all, so patients are able to get access to the medical help that they need should they test positive. In Singapore, there are a few places where you can get HIV testing. There are HIV test kits that can be bought online, HIV tests conducted in government hospitals and HIV tests conducted in STD clinics, such as Elyon Clinic. Getting tested at each of these spaces has their own pros and cons. However, we believe getting tested at a clinic offers benefits that a patient would find useful, from employing one of the most accurate tests to accessibility and confidentiality. Here are the three reasons why you should get tested for HIV in STD clinics in Singapore.

One of the Most Accurate HIV Tests

A blood sample will be required from all patients who are tested at a clinic. This blood sample will be sent to the laboratory, where tests will be run on each sample before test results are determined. This elaborate process is necessary to ensure that the results of the test are as accurate as possible. The process also allows the blood to be tested for other STDs, such as Hepatitis A and B. This process differs greatly from many rapid HIV testing kits that are available in the market. While those kits are much faster, the results may not be as accurate. Waiting a few days for that result can make the difference between an underlying anxiety and a sound peace of mind.

Accessible Testing at STD Clinics

Another benefit of HIV testing at STD clinics is that it is highly accessible to anyone who wants to get tested. Instead of going through a long process at a hospital, HIV testing at an STD clinic simply requires the booking of an appointment through a phone call. Then, the patient simply needs to show up during their appointment time for a short consultation with the doctor, who will draw the blood sample required for testing. Getting tested this way is fuss-free and skips the many steps that would be required to see an STD expert at a hospital. That could mean avoiding awkward conversations with multiple hospital personnel about your need for an HIV test. STD clinics are also more discreet. It is much less likely that peers or family members would spot a patient entering an STD clinic, when compared to a public hospital.

Confidential Results

In an STD clinic, all results are kept confidential. Whether the HIV test comes back positive or negative, the results will be kept within the data systems of the clinic. The Government will not know of your status. This is important to people who wish to ensure that their status is not within public health records, for it may be accessed by government officials, medical professionals in hospitals and others. At an STD clinic, HIV testing results are only known to the patient and the doctor.

Conclusion

HIV testing at an STD clinic is accessible and caters to the direct needs of the patients. To book an appointment to get a HIV test at an STD clinic, feel free to contact Elyon Clinic at 6802 7208.