Other than the conventional blood test (Western Blot), there are two other types of rapid HIV antibody test available in clinics and hospitals. The rapid HIV screening test is a test used for detecting antibodies to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) and Type 2 (HIV-2) in human oral fluids as well as in blood.
Currently, two rapid HIV kits are registered and available at most hospitals and clinics in Singapore: These are the Determine Rapid and Oraquick® Rapid Tests.
| Description of test |
Determine Rapid* |
Oraquick® Rapid* |
Western Blot |
| Time to get results |
15 minutes |
20 minutes |
2 weeks |
| Fluids used for test |
Blood |
Oral fluids |
Blood |
| Method of testing |
Finger prick |
Oral swab (between cheek & gum) |
Test tube of blood |
The Determine Rapid test is administered by taking a small amount of blood with a finger prick device. The Oraquick® Rapid test is usually performed by swabbing between the cheek and the gums with a soft pad at the end of the testing device.
The rapid HIV test is not given to people for self-testing or for testing others. It must be performed and the results interpreted by a trained personnel.
Why is it better than the conventional blood test?
The advantages with the rapid HIV test as compared to the conventional blood tests are:
- For Oraquick® Rapid, it is a non-invasive test so no blood sample or needle prick is required. For Determine Rapid, it only requires a quick prick on the finger for a small amount of blood rather than drawing blood through a needle.
- The results are known usually within 15-20 minutes; hence the anxiety associated with a long waiting period is avoided.
Should I go for the rapid HIV testing?
A person infected with HIV has no symptoms in the early stages. It may take several years for these symptoms to appear. Thus, getting tested is the only way of knowing if you are currently free from the infection. The test will only determine your status at that point in time so if you engage in risky sexual behaviour such as unprotected sex following your test, it’s time to go for another test. Knowing your HIV status means you can take action to prevent others from being infected.
You should get tested if:
- You have engaged in any sexually risky behaviour in the past, such as having multiple sexual partners, not using condoms consistently, or being serviced by professional sex workers
- You are not sure of your partner's sexual history
- You had yourself pierced or tattooed in an unhygienic or unlicensed providers
- You had a blood transfusion or an operation performed overseas, where blood testing regulatory requirements are not stringent.
Where can I go for the HIV Rapid Test?
The HIV rapid screening test is available at most clinics and hospitals in Singapore. The MOH list of clinics can help you find a clinic in your locality.
Does a negative result confirm that I am not infected?
The HIV rapid screening test (Oraquick® Rapid) detects antibodies to HIV in human oral fluids found between the cheek and the gums. Following an HIV infection, it takes up to 3 months for the antibodies to develop. A rapid HIV test performed during this 3-month "window period" will not be able to detect an infection. A second test needs to be performed 3 months after the first test, to confirm the result.
What happens if the test result is positive?
If the result of the rapid HIV screening test is positive, it could indicate that you have been infected with the HIV virus. However you will be sent for a further blood test to confirm the result.
What if the confirmatory blood test result is positive too?
A positive confirmatory blood test result indicates that you have been infected with HIV. You are advised to seek medical consultation with the Communicable Disease Centre.
While there is still no known cure for HIV infection, there are several drugs available to suppress the virus effectively. If you seek treatment early, you can delay the onset of symptoms and further complications. Early treatment means you can prolong your life, one that is productive and fulfilling.
If you have tested positive be sure to practise safer sex at all times, so that you do not pass on the virus to someone else, especially to someone you love. In Singapore, it is an offence under the Infectious Disease Act for an HIV - infected person to engage in activities that could pass on the HIV to another person.
