HIV Self-Test (HIVST)

Purchase a HIVST here via our parent site at Action for AIDS (AfA):

Buy HIVST

HIV self-testing (HIVST) is where a person does a HIV test and interprets the result on their own. This is done by collecting their own specimen such as an oral fluid or blood with a testing kit.

If testing at our testing sites prove to be a challenge this can be a solution for you.

*The information below is extracted and adapted from our parent site AfA. To access our parent site, click here.

As of writing HIVST in Singapore is the OraQuick IN-Home HIV Test. This is a single-use test that uses oral fluid to check for antibodies to both HIV Type 1 and Type 2. The oral fluid is collected by swabbing your gums with the test kit and then inserting it into a test tube to get a result in 20 to 40 minutes.

The test has a sensitivity of 92%, which means that one false negative result would be expected out of every 12 test results in HIV-acquired individuals. It has a specificity of 99.98%. This means that one false positive result would be expected out of every 5,000 test results in uninfected individuals.

It is extremely important for those who self-test to carefully read and follow the labelled directions. Even when used according to the directions, there will be some false negative and a small number of false positive results. Additional testing in a medical setting will either confirm a positive test result or inform that the initial result was a false positive result.

Following acquisition of HIV, it can take up to three months for the antibodies to develop before they can be detected by the test kits. A self-test kit performed during this three month “window period” may not be able to detect an infection. A second test needs to be performed three months after the first test to confirm the results.

Source: Communicable Diseases Agency

People at higher risk of HIV infection should be tested more frequently. Certain individuals may benefit from more frequent testing (i.e. 3-6 monthly) depending on their risk profiles. If an individual actively engages in behaviour that puts them at risk for HIV infection, or their partner engages in such behaviour, they should consider testing on a regular basis. It can take some time for the immune system to produce enough antibodies for the test to detect and this time period can vary from person to person

In general, people at higher risk of HIV should get tested every 3-6 months

An individual should undergo HIV testing if they:

  • Had been recently diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
  • Had sex with an individual whose HIV viral load is above the limit of detection (i.e. RNA > 200 copies/ml)
  • Are currently on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • Had exchanged sex for money;
  • Had a history of injection drug use or engage in sexual activities under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, or are the partners of such person
  • Had been diagnosed with or treated for viral hepatitis or tuberculosis
  • Had more than one sexual partner since your last HIV test

The list is not exhaustive and an individual should be tested at least once a year if they continue to be exposed to the activities listed above.
If an individual feels that they may be at risk, getting screened for HIV is the crucial first step to knowing their HIV status. Knowing their status enables an individual to receive treatment early and prevent others from getting infected.

The window period for HIVST is from at least 45 days to 90 days ago from the potential exposure to HIV that you are testing for.

More information here: https://afa.org.sg/window-period/

HIVST is available for sale from $25 onwards at the following locations:

They can also be bought online through various online platforms such as Shopee or Taobao but be careful of its authenticity – only buy them from official stores in these platforms as these have been verified:

Example of same HIVST sold by official stores and unofficial pages in Shopee SG

Example of other HIVST sold in Taobao

You can use a HIVST when you:

  • Want to know your status as soon as possible
  • Are currently overseas with no access to a HIV test
  • Prefer to know your status first before testing at a clinic
  • Prefer to test in your own comfort & privacy

For more information about HIVST, click here