The first HIV test in Australia is easy, private and usually free.
The HIV virus test helps to protect your health and stop the spread of HIV in the community.
Most new HIV transmissions occur when one does not know that they have it. That is why most homosexual and bisexual men in Australia test for HIV every three months. We recommend that you try regularly!
HIV testing allows you:
- Get to know HIV status to stop the spread of HIV to the community.
- Learn about HIV and sexual health from experienced nurses and doctors.
- Stay healthy by detecting HIV early and quickly reaching HIV treatment.
If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours (3 days), start the PEP (after reporting) now. It is free from a public hospital pharmacy.
In this article:
Where to take a HIV test in Australia?
HIV Self-Strong Kit
You can buy a HIV self-testing kit in a pharmacy or chemical. You don’t need Medicare card. It costs about $ 25 and lasts less than 15 minutes to do.
You can also order a free rapid test in Hivtest.au. Comes to your home in a simple package. You can do the test privately. The instructions are:
- English
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Hindi
- Indonesian
- Malaysian
- Spanish
- Vietnamese.
Sex center
You can visit a sexual health center for an HIV test. We have a map here. Check their website or slot to see if there are expenses.
- The test is usually free but check first.
- You don’t need Medicare card.
- You can get free Interpreter services To have your appointment in your language.
Your doctor
If you have a doctor (also called a general physician, GP), they can also give you a HIV test. There may be costs for a test with your doctor. Check if your safety will cover the test with a doctor.
Watch this video as an example when and where to get a HIV test:
Is HIV Confidential Test in Australia?
HIV tests in Australia are private and confidential. This means that only you and your doctor will know about your results.
You can make the HIV self-test kits in private (in your bedroom or in your bathroom).
In a sexual health center, they generally do not seek recognition (such as a passport). You can also:
- Make your appointment with a different name.
- Use your correct phone and email number to get your results.
- Ask to visit in a quiet era.
- Try somewhere in a different suburb (maybe near your work).
Will a HIV test appear in my safety?
Some sexual health centers have free HIV tests that do not require health insurance. This means that HIV tests will not appear in your insurance claims. Check with service for fees.
HIV tests (GP) can occur, but only with general practices.
What is a window period?
A “window period” is the time between exposure to HIV and when it appears in a test. HIV may not appear in a test if you have been exposed to it within this “window period”.
The HIV window period is:
- 6 weeks for tests with a doctor
- 12 weeks for rapid or self-testing.
If you are in the window period, HIV may not appear in test. That is why they are tested every three months it is important to know your situation. You can find out more about the window periods in this article.
How’s the HIV test?
A HIV test is fast and simple. Will go so:
- Check on the reception and wait for your name.
- Someone will ask you about the sex you have. They are not there to judge, but to make sure they give you the best care. It is a safe place to be honest and open. They are there to help. Ask for both HIV test and sexually transmitted infections (STIS).
- A nurse or doctor will give you a blood test.
- For sexually transmitted infections (STIS), you will make a sample of mouth, crap and urine sample (pee). You can often collect samples yourself privately.
- Made!
What questions will they ask?
They can ask a few questions to find out which tests they will give you:
- How many partners have you had in the last 3-6 months?
- When was the last time you had sex (for the “window”)?
- What gender are your partners?
- Are you in the “up” or “down” position during anal sex?
- Do you have symptoms of sexually transmitted infection?
- Do you use condoms or preparation?
- They can also help answer any questions you have about HIV prevention.
How long does a HIV test take?
Tests should take less than ten minutes to a doctor or sexual health center. A rapid HIV test will take less than 15 minutes to do.
How long do the results take to return?
Your results may take a week to reach you. They can send a text message or email with your results. Some parts will not send you a message if you are negative (without new = good news). Ask the nurse or doctor to test how to get your results.
Rapid HIV test results last 15 minutes. If the test comes back as a “reaction” visit a sexual health service to confirm the result.
What happens if it’s positive?
If you try positively for HIV, they will ask you to return for more tests. They will then link you to HIV treatment options (which are free). Your results will remain confidential. This means that only you and your doctor will know the condition of your HIV.
Support is also available for mental health. Many organizations offer peer support to help you process your diagnosis.
The HIV virus test is important to stay healthy and keep the community safe. Close a test today!
Along with regular HIV tests, it is a good idea to use condoms, Prep or undetectable viral load to prevent HIV.
