What is Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)?

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that damages the body’s immune system cells. Spread through certain body fluids, such as blood and semen, it weakens one’s immune system and ability to fight off diseases, infections, or common germs effectively. The virus causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which appears in the advanced stage of an HIV infection. Regular HIV screening in Singapore can help in early detection and management.

If left untreated, the immune system can be severely damaged and unable to defend itself completely, potentially leading to fatality. The pace at which the HIV infection progresses varies depending on health, age and background. HIV infection can also increase the severity of other serious illnesses and diseases. Visiting an HIV test clinic is crucial, as HIV infection can also increase the severity of other serious illnesses and diseases.

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Get peace of mind with our quick and confidential HIV testing at Elyon Clinic.

What are the symptoms of HIV?

Most people do not know straight away when they have been infected with HIV. They may only develop the symptoms after a short period of time between 2 – 4 weeks, which may be similar to other viral illnesses like the flu.

Early symptoms of HIV include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Tiredness or aching muscles
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Night sweats
  • Chills

If you had high risk exposure and acted quickly, you can take the HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis (HIV PEP) within 72 hours from exposure which may reduce the risk of HIV infection.

It is also possible for patients to be asymptomatic and show no symptoms when they are infected. Meanwhile, the virus will continue to develop inside their body, and they may only begin to feel sick once the infection reaches the advanced stages and they develop AIDS.

What are the symptoms of HIV?​
HIV Testing and Screening in Singapore​

HIV Testing and Screening in Singapore​

As a MOH-Approved HIV clinic, Elyon Clinic provides a range of specialised HIV tests in Singapore. With a confidential screening process, patients can be assured they will be treated with utmost discretion. Our board-accredited doctor will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the relevant HIV tests best suited to your health concerns. Though there is no cure for HIV, it can be controlled and managed with proper medical care and treatment.

As part of being responsible in protecting yourself and others, regular testing for HIV is important since the earlier HIV is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin. Although the virus can exhibit symptoms, the only way to determine if you are infected with HIV is through testing.

Process of HIV Testing​

Since it is possible for a patient to experience little to no early symptoms, it is important to get tested for the HIV infection in order to determine if you have the disease. The HIV test looks for antibodies that fight the virus or traces of the virus in the blood. HIV screening in Singapore is essential for early detection and management.

Depending on the time from exposure, different tests are carried out ranging from rapid HIV tests to conventional laboratory-based blood tests. Elyon Clinic stands as a clinic that provides HIV screening and testing in Singapore, which can be done through a confidential, private process.

Price of HIV Tests – 2025

The price for the Rapid HIV test ranges from $50 – $120. Tested on finger prick blood or oral saliva, results can be expected in approximately 20 minutes.

While a rapid test provides quick results, it is still recommended to get a standard lab test to confirm the results as it is more accurate. With prices ranging from $30 – $600, it offers results within 1 to 3 days and 1 to 2 weeks depending on the type of tests conducted.

Time from Exposure:
Less than 3 days or 72 hours
-
HIV Test:
No testing is available at this stage. You may wish to consider HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis (HIV PEP) if you have had a high-risk exposure, i.e., unprotected sex with a commercial sex worker or high-risk contact, or needlestick injury from an IV drug abuser.
Time to Result:
-
Remark:
HIV PEP was shown to be >80% effective in reducing the risk of HIV infection. In animal studies, it was shown that the earlier (<24hrs) PEP is started, the more effective it is, with prevention rates reaching almost 100%.
Time from Exposure:
10 – 14 days
$600
HIV Test:
HIV RNA/DNA Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test
Time to Result:
1 – 2 weeks
Remark:
The HIV Viral PCR test looks for the presence of the actual HIV virus which will indicate positive infection by HIV. It can be performed in combination with other HIV antigen and antibody tests for greater accuracy and confirmation.
Time from Exposure:
14 to 28 days or more (2-4 weeks or more)
$80
HIV Test:
HIV Combination P24 Antigen/Antibody 4th Gen Test (HIV Duo Test) – Lab test
Time to Result:
1 – 3 Days
Remark:
Recommended by UK National Guidelines for HIV Testing 2008 and BASHH.
Time from Exposure:
14 to 28 days or more (2-4 weeks or more)
$120
HIV Test:
Rapid Finger prick HIV P24 Antigen/Antibody Combo (HIV Duo Test). A 4th generation test.
Time to Result:
20 min
Remark:
Recommended by UK National Guidelines for HIV Testing 2008 and BASHH.
Time from Exposure:
More than 28 days (More than 4 weeks)
-
HIV Test:
HIV Antibody Test (ELISA) – 3rd generation lab test is no longer offered
Time to Result:
1 - 3 Days
Remark:
Results are 90% accurate at 1 month post exposure
Results are >99% accurate at 3 months post exposure
Time from Exposure:
Rapid Oral Saliva HIV-1/2 Antibody Test (Oraquick)
$80
HIV Test:
Rapid Oral Saliva HIV-1/2 Antibody Test (Oraquick)
Time to Result:
20 min
Remark:
Results are 90% accurate at 1 month post exposure
Results are >99% accurate at 3 months post exposure
Time from Exposure:
Rapid Oral Saliva HIV-1/2 Antibody Test (Oraquick)
-
HIV Test:
Rapid Finger prick Blood HIV-1/2 Antibody Test (no longer offered)
Time to Result:
20 min
Remark:
Results are 90% accurate at 1 month post exposure
Results are >99% accurate at 3 months post exposure

Time from Exposure

HIV Test

Time to Results

Fees (No GST)

Remarks

Less than 3 days or 72 hours No testing is available at this stage.
You may wish to consider HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis (HIV PEP) if you have had a high-risk exposure, i.e., unprotected sex with a commercial sex worker or high-risk contact, or needlestick injury from an IV drug abuser.
HIV PEP was shown to be >80% effective in reducing the risk of HIV infection. In animal studies, it was shown that the earlier (<24hrs) PEP is started, the more effective it is, with prevention rates reaching almost 100%.
10 – 14 days HIV RNA/DNA Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test 1 – 2 weeks $600 The HIV Viral PCR test looks for the presence of the actual HIV virus which will indicate positive infection by HIV. It can be performed in combination with other HIV antigen and antibody tests for greater accuracy and confirmation.
14 to 28 days or more
(2-4 weeks or more)
HIV Combination P24 Antigen/Antibody 4th Gen Test (HIV Duo Test) – Lab test 1 – 3 days $80 Recommended by UK National Guidelines for HIV Testing 2008 and BASHH.
Rapid Finger prick HIV P24 Antigen/Antibody Combo (HIV Duo Test). A 4th generation test. 20 min $120
More than 28 days
(More than 4 weeks)
HIV Antibody Test (ELISA) – 3rd generation lab test is no longer offered 1 – 3 days Results are 90% accurate at 1 month post exposure
Results are >99% accurate at 3 months post exposure
Rapid Oral Saliva HIV-1/2 Antibody Test (Oraquick) 20 min $80
Rapid Finger prick Blood HIV-1/2 Antibody Test (no longer offered) 20 min
YouTube video

Learn more about why HIV testing matters in this video. 

Why is HIV Testing and Screening Important?

HIV testing and screening are crucial for early detection and treatment, reducing the spread of the virus, and improving health outcomes. Regular HIV testing in Singapore enables timely medical intervention, which can significantly enhance the quality of life for those infected and help prevent transmission to others, promoting a healthier community overall.

Common HIV Risk, Transmissions, Syndromes and Complications

HIV is highly contagious through the exchange of bodily fluids like semen, blood, vaginal or rectal fluids, and breast milk. It can be transmitted via unprotected sex, needle sharing, or contact with broken skin or mucous membranes. Using unsterilised needles for tattoos or piercings and having multiple or unaware partners also increase the risk. Consistent use of condoms and dental dams can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk, so regular HIV screening and medical consultations are recommended.

Additionally, here are some common HIV syndromes and complications:

  • Acute Retroviral Syndrome (ARS)
  • Opportunistic Infections
  • Neurological Complications
  • Cardiovascular Issues
  • Gastrointestinal Problems
  • Skin Issues
  • Liver Disease
  • Respiratory Complications
  • Hematologic Issues
  • Mental Health Problems
  • Endocrine Disorders

Frequently Asked Questions

If you suspect you have been exposed to HIV, you can get tested starting from 10 days after the point of contact with the virus. The HIV RNA/DNA PCR test is designed for early detection of the virus before antibodies have developed in the body. However, this method is expensive, time-consuming, and labour-intensive.

If you want to opt for more affordable options, other HIV tests can be performed from the 3rd week onwards. The other HIV tests work by detecting antibodies that the body forms in response to the virus. These antibodies take time to form, and can take up to 3 months to develop.

Due to the variable time it takes for sufficient antibodies to form in your body, some tests can show up with negative results if taken too early. For more accurate results, (re-)testing at the 3-month mark is recommended.

HIV and AIDS are caused by the same virus, but AIDS is a more advanced form of HIV. At the earliest stage of infection, patients with HIV usually show no symptoms at all. A person is said to have AIDS when their HIV infection progress to stages II to IV, which are the stages where a person’s lowered immunity causes recurrent infections in the body.

The progression from HIV to AIDS varies from person to person. It can take 10 to 15 years, depending on whether the patient is receiving treatment and the effectiveness of the treatment.

There is currently no cure for HIV. Although HIV is a virus that remains in the body for life, its progress and symptoms can be put under control via several treatment methods. This improves the quality of life for patients with HIV, and prolongs their lifespan. Antiretroviral therapy is available to suppress the virus and boost the patient’s immunity.

No, there is no evidence that HIV is spread through saliva or casual contact like hugging or shaking hands. Bites from insects like mosquitoes have also been shown not to spread HIV. Although HIV can be spread through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, anal fluids, and breast milk, it is not spread through other bodily matter like sweat, urine, tears, or faeces.

The key to managing HIV infection is to receive treatment as soon as possible. In the meantime before receiving treatment, a responsible thing to do is to abstain from sexual activities or other high-risk activities that will expose others to the infection.

A specialist can put you on a combination therapy called Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), which is a combination of a few antiretroviral medications. This reduces the chances of the virus developing resistance to any of the medications, and drastically reduces the chances of AIDS developing.

Those on successful antiretroviral therapy will not be at risk of infecting other individuals. Hence, patients on the therapy can engage in sex with their partner once the doctor determines that the patient’s viral load is sufficiently suppressed.

There is no risk of sexual transmission of HIV when a patient living with the virus has achieved an undetectable viral load and is able to maintain it for at least six months. You can achieve an undetectable viral load within one to six months of treatment if you take your prescribed antiretroviral therapy consistently as per your doctor’s instructions.

However, your viral load is only considered ‘durably undetectable’ when your test results are undetectable for at least six months after your first undetectable test result. So you are required to be on treatment for seven to twelve months to obtain a durably undetectable viral load.

Dr Vincent Chia

MB BCh BAO (Dublin NUI), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS)
Certificate In Andrology (Men’s Health)
Member, Society for Men’s Health
Family Physician

Dr Vincent Chia is a board-accredited Family Physician with over 25 years of clinical experience. Having trained in Ireland and Singapore, he has expertise in Dermatology, Endocrinology, Cardiology, General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Men’s Health, and a special interest in Sports Medicine. Known for his warm and approachable demeanour, Dr Chia is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and ensuring his patients understand their clinical decisions.

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