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Poll : When Did You Had Your First HIV Anonymous Test?


briax

Doing your FIRST HIV anonymous test  

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Briax, on behalf of the mods, admins and readers here, I would like to say THANK YOU to you. I am aware that you are quite involved with social work for the benefits of our gay community. :clap: :clap: :clap:

I like the idea or providing whatever help or encouragement for gay men to go for the anonymous HIV test. Providing a "buddy" for someone going for their first test might be one way. If you are your organisation decide to embark on this, may I suggest you have wide list of volunteers to be buddies. they should range from younger men to older men.

If you guys need a volunteer for "buddies," by all means you are more than welcome to recruit from our readers here.

Thank you again.

Please play safely! Use a condom if you are having anal sex.

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Briax:

There are potentially OTHER anxiety factors I can think of which you may also want to consider and mitigate. Worry of

i) knowing the results

ii) run into people you may know there (they think only gay goes AFA testing, so going there means they out themselves)

iii) the staff ask personal / embarrassing questions

iv) hidden cost

v) staff take particulars

vi) what is the procedure like, uncertain of what to expect

vii) scare of blood taking

The organisations concern may want to consider some suggestions to reduce some other uncertain for the potential candidates.

a. Post/Sharing "trip reports" of people going to the testing session and what it was like.

(I did a trip report some time ago to the AFA Anonymous testing, http://www.blowingwind.org/forum/index.php...post&p=8991 )

b. Post a YouTube video of the the clinic and the test procedure from registration to completion. They can see and know what to expect thus reduce anxiety.

c. Assure people that it is ABSOLUTELY Anonymous. Tell them what info is captured and why it is anonymous, no camera.

Tell what happens to the data collected.

d. Consider Appointment slots where they can go direct to a special room. Finish and leave unseen. There are some people who are really closeted and will not mind paying extra just to avoid meeting unexpected people.

Cheers !

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Hi all, I am doing this quick poll to see if having someone with you during your first HIV test will be helpful.

Briax, a couple of queries

1. Must the testing be done ONLY at a Kelantan Clinic which is a centre for STD treatment?

2. Could AFA has its own testing facilities at a more discreet location?

3. The procedure must be as simple as possible and as discreet as possible, e.g.

Walk in, take a no., take blood, wait for result, see counselor for result.

4. Lastly very very important is what if the result is possible.

What happen then?

5. Are there any support group for HIV+ gaymen?

Many are very apprehensive and scared to make the move to get tested. Hopefully it helps to prompt ppl to go for test with more information on the testing procedures.

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Hi folks, so sorry to read these posts so late.

Lungker, thanks for your kind words and encouragement.

Chnbear and HendryTan, thank you so much for your suggestions and feedback. :)

Oogachaga Counseling and Support (OC) is working hand in hand with Action for AIDS (AFA) to promote the Safer Sex awareness in Singapore. OC is focusing on the psychosocial aspect of this ongoing awareness campaign for the MSM communities through our hotline services, public forums, counseling and support groups. AFA provides the comprehensive testing facilities, support groups for the HIV+ and other related services.

My work is mainly with OC. As I am only a volunteer with AFA anonymous test clinic, I have forwarded your recommendations and enquiries to AFA so that they can provide with the most accurate answers. Will post them here once I received them.

Once again, thank you so much for your support.

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Briax:

There are potentially OTHER anxiety factors I can think of which you may also want to consider and mitigate. Worry of

i) knowing the results

ii) run into people you may know there (they think only gay goes AFA testing, so going there means they out themselves)

iii) the staff ask personal / embarrassing questions

iv) hidden cost

v) staff take particulars

vi) what is the procedure like, uncertain of what to expect

vii) scare of blood taking

The organisations concern may want to consider some suggestions to reduce some other uncertain for the potential candidates.

a. Post/Sharing "trip reports" of people going to the testing session and what it was like.

(I did a trip report some time ago to the AFA Anonymous testing, http://www.blowingwind.org/forum/index.php...post&p=8991 )

b. Post a YouTube video of the the clinic and the test procedure from registration to completion. They can see and know what to expect thus reduce anxiety.

c. Assure people that it is ABSOLUTELY Anonymous. Tell them what info is captured and why it is anonymous, no camera.

Tell what happens to the data collected.

d. Consider Appointment slots where they can go direct to a special room. Finish and leave unseen. There are some people who are really closeted and will not mind paying extra just to avoid meeting unexpected people.

Cheers !

Hi all

This is Daniel, the Programme Director of AfA. Thanks Bryan for raising the issue about the Anonymous Testing and thanks to others for raising the questions. I will try to answer them as clearly as possible.

i) Worry of result

It is understandable that anxiety and worry accompany knowing the result. That is why pre-test counselling is very important. Our volunteer counsellors must give the clients the most information at this point and give them both scenarios of having positive or negative results and what measures need to be taken etc.

ii) worry of running into people you may know

We see clients of all shades and hues, and of all shapes and sizes. :) In fact, we see more heterosexual males than homosexual males, based on your records. Running into someone you may know, would probably means the person is there for the same reason as you. It can be nerve wrecking if it is your first trip, which is why you might want to have a friend to accompany you.

iii) worry of embarrassing questions

The volunteers counsellors will only ask questions that pertain to risk factors, such as typeof sexual intercourse, protection and frequency of exposure. Rest assured that no judgement is passed regardless of what you do. We need to assess the risk level to be able to give proper advices.

iv) Worry of hidden cost

The cost of the HIV testing is $20, and $30 for both HIV and Syphilis tests. There is not additional cost involved. Payment is made at the registration counter, and no one should ask you for more money there after.

v) Worry of staff taking particulars

The volunteers counsellors may write down notes but they do not write down any personal particulars like your name, IC number or any other identifying questions. The notes are to help us to understand the behaviours and trends when we need to analyse the data.

vi)Procedure of testing

I think HenryTan did a very good summary of the procedure of the testing at the Anonymous Test Site. Just for the benefit of those who have not rest the post, the procedure is very simple. Once you enter the clinic, you make payment for the test (HIV and Syphilis (only offered on Saturdays)) and you will be given a form to fill (no names or NRIC required). A receipt with a 5-digit serial number will be issued to you, and you will be identified by this number.

After you return the form to the reception, you will wait for the volunteer counsellor to call you number. You then enter the room with the counsellor where some pre-test counselling will be conducted. After that, you will be directed to wait outside another room to have your blood test done. After your blood is taken, you will wait at the waiting area to see the same counsellor for your result. That wait will be about 20 mins or so, depending on the crowd that day.

vii) Scared of blood taking

AfA is currently exploring introducing the oral swap testing on certain days. We will keep you inform once we implement that.

Alternatively, you can go to 2 other clinics that offer anonymous oral tests. They are:

Anteh Dispensary Family Clinic and Surgery

368 Geyland Road

Tel: 67441809

Mon to Fri 9am to 12pm, 2om to 5pm

Sat 9am to 12pm

Closed on Sun and public holidays

Cambridge Clinic

Blk 333 Kreta Ayer Road #03-27

Tel: 63271252

Mon to Fri 9am to 4.30pm

Sat 9am to 12.30pm

Closed on Sun and public holidays

Non-anonymous HIV screening is also available at certain clinics. For more information, please refer to the Ministry of Health webiste.

I will reply on the comments soon.

Thanks.

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The organisations concern may want to consider some suggestions to reduce some other uncertain for the potential candidates.

a. Post/Sharing "trip reports" of people going to the testing session and what it was like.

(I did a trip report some time ago to the AFA Anonymous testing, http://www.blowingwind.org/forum/index.php...post&p=8991 )

b. Post a YouTube video of the the clinic and the test procedure from registration to completion. They can see and know what to expect thus reduce anxiety.

c. Assure people that it is ABSOLUTELY Anonymous. Tell them what info is captured and why it is anonymous, no camera.

Tell what happens to the data collected.

d. Consider Appointment slots where they can go direct to a special room. Finish and leave unseen. There are some people who are really closeted and will not mind paying extra just to avoid meeting unexpected people.

Cheers !

a) Post trip reports

I think it is a good idea to have people to share their experiences, but unfortunately, we will not be able to impose anyone to do so. And since the testings are done anonymously, we won't be able to identify who will be from Blowing Wind, but I guess we can start looking around and ask people who might be keen to do so... or would anyone like to volunteer???

b) You-tube video

I am actually in discussion with a gay group to do up something like that. We are working on the details and will advertise once we get it up!

c) Anonymous Guarantee

No personal data (names, NRIC number, identifying facts) is collected when you visit the clinic. Hence even if someone is tested positive,we will not be able to trace the person once he steps out of the clinic. We only submit the data (age range, gender, sexual preference, no. of positive cases) to MOH and for our analysis. Please be rest assured there is not cameras in the clinic at all.

Sometimes, the counsellors will pen down some pointers, such as sexual behaviours, frequency of exposure, etc, to help us better understand the clientele. At no time should the counsellor ask for personal information.

d) Appointment slots for closetted people

We understand that there are people who are in the closetted and it is very difficult for them to step into the clinic. However, the clinic is run by volunteer counsellors (meaning none of the counsellors receive any form of payment for their time spent at the clinic) and it is not logistically viable for us to have this special arrangement.

Our advice would be if there is a real concern of meeting people, there are the 2 GP clinics mentioned earlier to have their anonymous tests done.

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Briax, a couple of queries

1. Must the testing be done ONLY at a Kelantan Clinic which is a centre for STD treatment?

2. Could AFA has its own testing facilities at a more discreet location?

3. The procedure must be as simple as possible and as discreet as possible, e.g.

Walk in, take a no., take blood, wait for result, see counselor for result.

4. Lastly very very important is what if the result is possible.

What happen then?

5. Are there any support group for HIV+ gaymen?

Many are very apprehensive and scared to make the move to get tested. Hopefully it helps to prompt ppl to go for test with more information on the testing procedures.

1. Currently MOH mandates that all HIV testing be done in clinical environment, and DSC is the only clinic that is big enough and allows us to gain access to the clinic without presence of their staff.

2. As mention, we have had difficulties finding clinics that allow us to use their venue for free. If someone has any lobang, do let us know and we can definitely explore the possiblities.

3. We have made several changes to the procedure to make sure that it is as simple and discreet as possible, i.e. walk in, take a number, see a counsellor, take blood, wait, see counsellor for result.

If you have any suggestions to help us make it better, do let us know and we will see if we are able to make the changes.

4. For someone who is tested positive using the screening test kit, we will provide appropriate counselling and reference. We also encourage the person to have his blood taken to be sent to lab for confirmation test. Again, no names will be taken. He will be asked to return one week later to get his result, using the receipt. A referral letter will be prepared for him to see the specialist at the Communicable Disease Center for consultation and treatment.

There are more than one path for the person if he is tested positive, and there are various resources available as well. We will assign a counsellor to walk the person through this journey until he is ready to move on his own.

5. There are several groups for HIV+ gaymen. AfA runs Club Genesis, and Free Community Church also runs a group for positive gaymen. Help and support are definitely available.

HIV testing can be a scary experience for some. Just talk to us and we will walk you through journey.

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Guest thinking ahead

If we are tested positive, what are the recourse for us gay men in term of medical help? The medicine cost can be prohibitive I believe. Does it mean we have to get alternative help in the form of cheap pills from Bangkok? Is that what some people are doing? Just curious.

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If we are tested positive, what are the recourse for us gay men in term of medical help? The medicine cost can be prohibitive I believe. Does it mean we have to get alternative help in the form of cheap pills from Bangkok? Is that what some people are doing? Just curious.

Hmmm... thinking ahead has asked a sensitive question. There are alternatives which we will be able to recommend.

For gay men who are diagnosed with HIV, AfA runs a support group called Club Genesis. (http://www.afa.org.sg/weneedyourhelp/ClubGenesis.asp). There's definitely help and support out there.

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 7 years later...
On 30 January, 2016 at 4:21 PM, Guest Jim said:

Last week. Hoping the result will be negative. Had my first bareback encounter 2 weeks ago.

Fyi, 2 weeks is too short to test for result….at least 3 months later to test for more accurate result. 

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Do you know why people advise you to get test for HIV regularly if you lead a sexually active lifestyle?Some of you might say since HIV/Aids is an incurable disease why should you bother to go find out your health status then?

 

Do you want to know the answer? Because if you go get yourselves tested and if you are HIV positive then your doctor will advise you to start your HIV treatmentas soon as possible. 

 

Not only will starting treatment early be beneficial for yourself before your immune system drop to low level also by taking medication you can also bring your HIV viral load down to undetectable level whereby your transmission rate and risk of passing the virus to other people will be drastically reduce. 

 

This is seen as using preventionas treatment approach to contain and stop the HIV virus from turning into a epidemic among the world population. 

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 3 weeks later...

So do you know what is anonymous HIV testing?

 

One of the reasons people do not get tested for HIV is the fear of stigma and discrimination.

Your personal particulars are not required when signing up for an anonymous HIV test. If you suspect you might be at risk of contracting HIV, do get tested for HIV. Educational information, counselling and advice on treatment are provided.

 

What is anonymous HIV testing?

Anonymous HIV testing does not require you to provide any names, NRIC numbers or contact numbers. Instead, a number is usually assigned to the test which allows the person being tested to receive the test results. No personal particulars are recorded, even with positive results of the HIV tests.

You will be required to fill in an anonymous questionnaire so that you can inform more about yourself but all details will be kept strictly confidential.

 

Why do we need anonymous HIV testing?

Anonymous HIV testing encourages more individuals who might suspect that they are at risk to go for early HIV testing. In 2007, 30 per cent or 131 out of 423 HIV cases reported were detected through anonymous testing. Anonymous HIV testing offers a level of privacy and confidentiality that encourages more people to find out about their HIV status.

Early HIV testing helps to control the spread of HIV as people living with HIV/AIDS can take appropriate measures to protect their partners from being infected. It also allows them to seek to seek early treatment and care.

 

How is anonymous HIV testing done?

Rapid HIV test kits are used in anonymous HIV testing. The results of rapid HIV tests can be available within 20 minutes of doing the test. The results of a conventional (Western blot) HIV blood test can take up to two weeks.

Rapid testing reduces the anxiety associated with the long waiting period for an HIV test result. It also allows the result to be informed to the patient in person on the same day, eliminating the need to collect any form of personal particulars or contact information.

 

Where can I go for anonymous HIV testing?

Anonymous HIV testing is offered at the following ten clinics:

 

SN

Name          

Address/ Opening hours

1

  Action For AIDS Anonymous Test Site

DSC Clinic

31 Kelantan Lane #01-16 S(200031)

Tel: 62540212

Tue and Wed: 6.30pm to 8.15pm

Sat: 1.30pm to 3.15pm

PH: Closed

2

Anteh Dispensary

368 Geylang Road S(389381)

Tel: 67441809
Mon to Fri: 9.00am to 12.00pm, 2.00pm to 5.00pm
Sat: 9.00am to 12.00pm

3

Doctor Jay Medical Centre

115 Killiney Road S(239553)

Tel: 6235 5196

Mon to Fri: 9.30am to 3.30pm, 6.30pm to 8.00pm,

Sat:9.30am to 11.30am, 6.30pm to 8.00pm

Sun: 6.30pm to 8.00pm

 4

  Doctors Clinic & Surgery *

305 Woodlands St 31, #01-91, S(730305)

Tel:62691017

Mon to Fri: 8.30am to 12pm, 2pm to 4.30pm, 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Sat/Sun: 8.30am to 12pm

 

5

 

Dr Soh Family Clinic

Blk 966 Jurong West Street 93 #01-221 S(640966)

Tel: 67917735

Mon and Tue:

8.30am to 1pm, 2pm to 4.30pm, 7pm to 9pm

 

Wed and Fri:

8.30am to 1pm, 2.00pm to 4.30pm

Thurs: 8.30am to 1pm, 7pm-9pm

Sat: 11.30am to 1pm

Sun: 9am to 1pm

6

Dr Tan & Partners

11 Unity Street, , Robertson Walk,#02-07 S(237995)

Tel: 62387810

Mon to Fri: 8am to 9pm

Sat: 9am to 2pm

Sun/PH: Closed

7

  Kensington Family Clinic *

 

14D Kensington Park Road

Serangoon Garden Estate, S(557265)

Tel: 6288 4882

 

Mon to Fri: 8am to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm

Sat/Sun: 8am to 3pm

     8

  M Lam Clinic

739 Geylang Road S(389649)

Tel: 6748 1949

Mon to Fri: 9am to 12.30pm, 2pm to 5.30pm

Sat: 9am to 12.30pm

Sun/PH: Closed

9

  Q&M Medical & Aesthetic Clinic     (Tampines Central) Pte. Ltd. *

 

10 Tampines Central 1,

#04-18/19, Tampines One,

S(529536)

Tel: 67813323.

Mon, Tue, Thur: 9am to 3pm, 4.30pm to 9pm

Wed, Fri: 9am to 6pm

Sat: 9am to 3pm

    10

  Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic

Block 1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza #01-06 S(082001)

Tel: 64433101

Mon, Wed and Fri: 9.00am – 6.00pm

Tue and Thu: 9.00an – 9.00pm

Sat/ Sun: 9.00am – 2.00pm 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: http://www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/health-article/6368

Edited by Oogachagacare
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