The HIV Antibody Test detects whether proteins called antibodies, 
which are produced in response to HIV, are found in the person's body. 
Most people develop antibodies within 12 weeks of infection. 
However, it is possible that the antibodies do not appear until six months 
after the point of infection. This period of time when a person is infected 
with HIV and has not developed antibodies to HIV is known as the 
window period. 

• A positive result means that you are infected with HIV. You can infect others if you have sex with them.
• A negative result means that you are either not infected or your infection was too recent to be detected. You need to repeat the test 3 months later.

• Most people only find out they have HIV at the late stage of HIV infection.
• Most people (73%) find out they have HIV when HIV Testing was done in the course of some form of medical care. Only 13% found out when they went for voluntary HIV screening. The rest were detected through contact tracing and other screening.
• Early detection can help prolong your life through appropriate medical follow-up and give you a better quality of life.
• It helps to protect your loved ones.
• It is possible for an HIV-infected pregnant woman to pass on the virus to her child during birth. Early intervention gives the unborn child a greater chance to be born virus-free.

If you:

• have sexual contact with prostitutes, strangers or casual friends
• have many sex partners
• have sexual intercourse with a person known or suspected to be infected with HIV
• suspect that your spouse has been sexually unfaithful to you,

you should go for HIV screening.

HIV antibody testing is available at:

• DSC Clinic (Registration required)
  31 Kelantan Lane #02-16
  [map and registration hours]
• Any private clinics or polyclinics

Since 1 Aug 2007, HIV testing with rapid HIV test kits has been offered in medical clinics. Rapid HIV tests are screening tests that produce very quick results, in approximately 20 minutes. For more information and to view a list of clinics approved by the Ministry of Health, visit this page .

Anonymous HIV antibody testing is available at:

• Action For AIDS Anonymous HIV Testing & Counselling Clinic
  DSC Clinic, 31 Kelantan Lane, #01-16, S200031 [more info]
  Tue: 6.30 to 8.00pm
  Wed: 6.30 to 8.00pm
  Sat: 1.30 to 3.30pm
  (except on public holidays)
  
• Anteh Dispensary Family Clinic & Surgery
  368 Geylang Road
  Tel: 67441809
  Mon to Fri: 9.00am to 12.00pm, 2.00pm to 5.00pm
  Sat: 9.00am to 12.00pm
  Sun/public holidays: Closed
• Cambridge Clinic
  Block 333, Kreta Ayer Road, #03-27
  Tel: 63271252
  Mon to Fri: 9.00 am to 1.30pm
  Sat: 9.00 am to 12.00pm
  Sun/public holidays: Closed