A mate of mine has just had a rapid test for HIV. It came back negative, and he is really relieved.

It only took a little while, he didn't have to wait for a week and still got all the counselling and support.

He took another friend along for support. Apparantly it is part of a trial.

Does anyone know anything about this?

Has anyone had one?

BB

rapid... how rapid are we talking?

Dunno,

I think it is being offered at a few public sexual health clinics.

Does anyone know where?

BB

I checked with my friend, it takes an hour or so - this is with the counselling etc, you are also better to make an appointment. They check for everything else as well, so pretty good.

The test is being offered by public sexual health clinics and hospitals,

Does anyone know which clinics are participating?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brolga Blue

I checked with my friend, it takes an hour or so - this is with the counselling etc, you are also better to make an appointment. They check for everything else as well, so pretty good.

The test is being offered by public sexual health clinics and hospitals,

Does anyone know which clinics are participating?

Hi, I had this test a couple of months ago. Went along to the Sexual Health Clinic at Parramatta.

Its basically quicker than 1 hour. Took something like 20 minutes along with consultation by counsellor, etc.

Its still a trial but it does provide very accurate results although there can be a very small margin of error.

They basically get you to read some material before you sign a letter of consent, however this test is also performed alongside the regular HIV test so they advise you to also come in a few days time to get these results which is also compared against the rapid test.

It is a good thing in which it does away with a lot of the anxiety in the days waiting for the other results. On conclusion you fill in a one page questionnaire on your experiences and thoughts of the trial.

Although each person gets only one such rapid test so basically dont expect it again until it has been given formal approval by the health department.

I think the aim is to eventually sell these in chemists like pregnancy tests however the concern is what if a person returns a positive result. Will they go to a doc for further testing? Or perhaps this is something to do done only at medical centres, etc.

Cool,

How was the experience for you? My friend said it was handled brilliantly, he went to Albion Street. Do you know if it is available anywhere else?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Godzilla

....it does provide very accurate results .....

what does that mean? The fast test gives the same result as the slow test?

Also,

Did they test for other stuff?

If so what did that involve?

Did you get the HIV testing counselling?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark_

what does that mean? The fast test gives the same result as the slow test?

I think it uses similar testing to the blood tests that you usually need to wait a week for, and is just as accurate.

This is just what I have heard, maybe someone else who has had the test might know the name of the test?

Some info here....

http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/...ng-trial/65640

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brolga Blue

Cool,

How was the experience for you? My friend said it was handled brilliantly, he went to Albion Street. Do you know if it is available anywhere else?

Basically I went along to get the usual checkups like one should so when the councellor suggested the rapid HIV trial as another option I said' yes'. Explained the process, gave me a a couple of pages to read about how it works, gave me a form to sign stating that I understood it was a trial, blah, blah, blah

They still do the normal HIV test and explain its important that you come back too for those results as a backup to the rapid test results. The reading material had stated that in only a small number of instances did the rapid results conflict with the normal test results. Otherwise it was highly accurate enough.

Anyway with the rapid result they prick your finger, smear a drop of blood on a strip which is placed in a test solution, you watch it react to the chemicals, the nurse pisses off for 5 minutes and comes back and confirms your status.

It was great and well worth it considering the dread some people fear waiting days for the regular HIV test results to come back as these they dont give to you over the phone. You have to come in person to get them. Other STD results they can give over the phone.

Fingers crossed it gets approved. On my questionaire I stated that its best done in a clinic (not sold via a chemist) so that the person has some support if the results return a positive.

You can buy them online from overseas http://www.drugstore.com/home-access...ystem/qxp38330

I remember watching a documentary by Stephen Fry on HIV/AIDS and he went for a speed test an it was done rather fast.

Quote:

Originally Posted by deadposh

You can buy them online from overseas http://www.drugstore.com/home-access...ystem/qxp38330

I heard the online tests were not very accurate, possibly giving false results - and they don't test for syphilis and the other STD's, or if they are present in the mouth or bum. The don't offer counselling either.

The rapid tests are available at

Sydney Sexual Health Centre at Sydney Hospital

The Albion Street Centre in Surry Hills

The Parramatta Sexual Health Clinic and

Clinic 16 at the Royal North Shore Hospital

Reminds me, I am due for a check up. Can anyone recommend any doctors or clinics that are friendly, gentle and will bulk bill?

Quote:

Originally Posted by deadposh

You can buy them online from overseas http://www.drugstore.com/home-access...ystem/qxp38330

I would also strongly caution against this method. Home testing can be a minefield. You may receive bad news at a time when you're alone and in a vulnerable state, or test negative and think you're HIV-free when you're actually not.

Getting tested at a clinic is safe, reliable, confidential, non-judgmental and now very quick. I had a 'rapid test' a couple of months ago and it's an easy process. If you're sexually active it's good to get tested, at least once a year, or more often if you've been 'busy'. xx

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Akersten

I would also strongly caution against this method. Home testing can be a minefield. You may receive bad news at a time when you're alone and in a vulnerable state, or test negative and think you're HIV-free when you're actually not.

Getting tested at a clinic is safe, reliable, confidential, non-judgmental and now very quick. I had a 'rapid test' a couple of months ago and it's an easy process. If you're sexually active it's good to get tested, at least once a year, or more often if you've been 'busy'. xx

I was told once a year, twice if you are very active and if you are extremely active every 10 encounters. Not that it can take up to 3 months to detect HIV after coming into exposure.

Sydney Sexual Health Clinic is pretty good, especially for those who work in the CBD.

Sydney Sexual Health Clinic is very busy and you can wait weeks for an appointment and they usually only take those that live in its catchment area of CBD and inner city. Otherwise they tell you to go to one closest to your home.

The Parramatta one is good, its free, relatively anonomous, and no need for medicare cards, etc. Walk in and wait to be seen. Only have to book if you are wanting to see someone thursday evening.

Albion Street Clinic is the same from memory or since the last time I went there 2-3 years ago.

If you are active sexually then you should definately get tested once to twice a year for your own wellbeing and those of others.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Godzilla

Sydney Sexual Health Clinic is very busy and you can wait weeks for an appointment and they usually only take those that live in its catchment area of CBD and inner city. Otherwise they tell you to go to one closest to your home.

The Parramatta one is good, its free, relatively anonomous, and no need for medicare cards, etc. Walk in and wait to be seen. Only have to book if you are wanting to see someone thursday evening.

Albion Street Clinic is the same from memory or since the last time I went there 2-3 years ago.

If you are active sexually then you should definately get tested once to twice a year for your own wellbeing and those of others.

Does the Kirkton Road Centre still have free clinics?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Akersten

I would also strongly caution against this method. Home testing can be a minefield. You may receive bad news at a time when you're alone and in a vulnerable state, or test negative and think you're HIV-free when you're actually not.

Getting tested at a clinic is safe, reliable, confidential, non-judgmental and now very quick. I had a 'rapid test' a couple of months ago and it's an easy process. If you're sexually active it's good to get tested, at least once a year, or more often if you've been 'busy'. xx

Sounds like a good idea for an article...unless it's already been done.