HIV Screening in Singapore

ATLAS

The Silent Threat

Why Getting an HIV Test in Singapore Matters

HIV is a life-threatening virus that can cause serious, long-term health problems if left untreated.

Despite this, it often shows minimal to no symptoms until late stages of the infection, making it difficult to detect without screening.

In Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) reports that the number of new HIV cases has remained consistent at 450 since 2008. This underscores the importance of HIV screening as an effective way to prevent the spread of HIV infection and protect public health. By undergoing regular HIV screening, people can identify if they are infected earlier and receive prompt treatment to reduce the risk of developing serious health problems down the line.

At Atlas Pacific Medical, we offer discreet, accurate HIV testing in Singapore to help you take control of your health with confidence and care.

Below is a table illustrating the HIV risk percentage depending on the exposure type or activity:

There have been many misconceptions surrounding the HIV virus and how it is passed from one person to another. Contrary to what many may believe, HIV is not transmitted via saliva, sweat, tears, skin-to-skin contact, urine or feces. Activities such as holding hands, hugging, closed-mouth kissing, and sharing food, drinks or toilets, do not put you at risk of getting HIV.

HIV can be transmitted via blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids and breast milk. It is commonly passed from one person to another through unprotected sexual intercourse and needle sharing with an HIV-positive individual. Mother-to-child transmission is also possible through pregnancy and breastfeeding, though the risk is reduced with regular HIV screening and treatments.

Exposure Type	Risk per 10,000 Exposures (%)
SEXUAL
Receptive Anal Sexual Intercourse	138 (1.38%)
Insertive Anal Sexual Intercourse	11 (0.1%)
Receptive Penile-Vaginal Sexual Intercourse	8 (0.08%)
Insertive Penile-Vaginal Sexual Intercourse	4 (0.04%)
Receptive/Insertive Oral Sexual Intercourse	Low to Negligible
NON-SEXUAL
Biting/Spitting/Throwing Body Fluids	Negligible
Sex Toys	Negligible
NEEDLE RELATED
Blood transfusion	9250 (92.5%)
Drug Needle Sharing	63 (0.63%)
Needle-stick Injury	23 (0.23%)

Types of HIV Test in Singapore

At Atlas Pacific Medical, we offer a comprehensive range of rapid and laboratory-based HIV tests in Singapore. These tests detect the presence of HIV antibodies, p24 antigens, or HIV genetic material (RNA/DNA) from a simple finger prick or blood sample.

*The window period states the time from exposure that the test is conclusive.
*Please note that we currently do not offer the Oraquick test at present. Should this become available again we will mention here*

Test Available	Type Of Test	Turnaround Time	Window Period	Cost
4th Generation Combo/Duo	Rapid/Fingerprick	15-20 minutes	1 month (28 days) or more	$120
3rd Generation	Rapid/Fingerprick	15-20 minutes	3 months or more	$50
Oraquick Oral Swab (3rd Generation)	Rapid/Oral Swab	15-20 minutes	3 months or more	$45
Lab 4th Generation	Lab/Blood	3=5 working days	1 month or more	$50
HIV PCR RNA	Lab/Blood	Up to 7 working days	10 days or more	$650

What happens if my HIV test result is negative?

If your test result comes back as negative (and confirmed negative with further testing after the 3-month window), this indicates that you don’t have the virus. This doesn’t mean, however, that you are no longer at risk of acquiring it in the future. You can protect yourself and the people around you from HIV by:

Practicing safe sex by using a condom every time you have intercourse
Abstaining or refraining from casual sex or having multiple sex partners
Informing your partner if you are HIV-positive, or knowing whether your partner is HIV-positive
Regularly taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV
Not sharing needles in any way

Confidential HIV Testing and Screening

At our clinic, we understand that HIV testing can feel intimidating, but knowing your status is a crucial step toward maintaining your health. That’s why we’re here to provide a safe, confidential, and supportive environment for confidential HIV testing. Here’s an easy guide to help you understand the process:

Step 1: Visit Our Clinic for a Private Consultation

Our clinic prioritizes your privacy with fully confidential testing. During your visit, our staff will provide a confidential consultation to recommend the best test for you.

Step 2: Confidential HIV Testing Services

We offer a variety of tests based on the timing of your exposure and your individual needs. These include:

⁠ ⁠Rapid 4th Generation Test – Detects both antibodies and the p24 antigen. Ready in less than 20 minutes and considered conclusive 28 days after exposure, this is a fast and accurate test for early exposures.
⁠ ⁠HIV PCR Test – Highly sensitive, this test identifies the virus itself and is effective for early detection.

Our healthcare team will explain the recommended test and answer any questions to help you feel comfortable in choosing the right test.

Step 3: Quick and Easy Testing Process

The testing itself is a fast and simple procedure, requiring either:

⁠ ⁠A small blood sample (finger prick or a standard blood draw), or
⁠ ⁠An oral swab (for some rapid tests).

You’ll feel nothing more than a slight prick or swab, and the collection process is over within seconds.

Step 4: Receiving Your Test Results

⁠Rapid Test Results: You’ll receive these during your visit usually in less than 20 minutes.
⁠ ⁠Lab-Based Test Results: If your sample is sent to a lab, results will be ready within a few days. You may return to collect yoir results or you may choose to be notified through calls, whatsapp, or email. Rest assured, the testing process is done discreetly, and we’ll provide clear information, whatever the result.

Step 5: Follow-Up Care and Support

Our clinic is here for you every step of the way:

⁠ ⁠If Your Test is Negative: We’ll offer guidance on prevention, safe practices, or options like PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) if you’re at high risk.
⁠ ⁠If Your Test is Positive: You will never be alone. Our compassionate team will walk you through confirmatory testing, connect you with specialized care, and outline a treatment plan to help you stay healthy. Early treatment greatly improves outcomes, and we will provide the support you need to move forward.

What is the HIV test Window Period?

The HIV window period refers to the time between potential exposure to HIV and when the virus becomes detectable by a test. During this period, the body may not yet produce enough antibodies, antigens, or viral RNA for detection—depending on the type of test used.

For most individuals, it can take 1 to 3 months after exposure to develop detectable levels of antibodies. Testing too early may result in a false-negative result, which is why a follow-up test is often recommended.

Type of HIV Test	Window Period	Detection Timing
Rapid Fingerprick Test	2 to 8 weeks	May take up to 3 months in some cases
Normal Laboratory Blood Test	2 to 8 weeks	May take up to 3 months in some cases
PCR RNA Blood Test	7 to 28 days	Detects HIV earlier than antibody tests

If your HIV test in Singapore is conducted during this window period (especially within the first few weeks), your doctor may advise:

An initial test
Followed by a repeat test at 3 months post-exposure for confirmation

If Your Test Results Are Positive

If your test result comes back as positive (and confirmed positive with a follow up test), this indicates that you have acquired the infection and require immediate treatment. Antiretroviral therapy, which involves taking medication similar to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medicine, is typically the first-line treatment to control HIV infection.

Atlas Pacific Medical provides all the above-mentioned tests. However, the clinic only runs the HIV PCR on Tuesdays at the lab so getting to us before that day would help speed up your test results. Our MOH-accredited clinic also offer screening and treatment options for a wide range of STDs. For more inquiries about our services, contact us.

What are the symptoms of HIV?

In many cases, HIV does not show obvious symptoms in the early stages. Some individuals may experience flu-like symptoms about 2 to 4 weeks after exposure, such as:

Fever
Fatigue
Sore throat
Body aches
Swollen lymph nodes
Skin rash

These symptoms are non-specific and can be easily mistaken for other viral infections like influenza or COVID-19. In fact, many people with HIV feel completely fine, which is why HIV testing is the only reliable way to confirm your status.

Late-Stage HIV Symptoms (if left untreated)

If HIV is not diagnosed and treated, the virus can gradually weaken the immune system. Over time, late-stage symptoms may include:

Unexplained weight loss
Persistent fever or night sweats
Chronic diarrhoea
Skin rashes or lesions
Recurring infections
Swollen lymph nodes
Opportunistic infections and certain cancers

Regular HIV screening in Singapore is crucial, especially if you’ve had recent exposure or engage in higher-risk activities. At Atlas Pacific Medical, we offer confidential HIV testing tailored to your needs.

Risk Factors for HIV Transmission

Understanding how HIV is transmitted helps reduce unnecessary fear and focus on real risks. HIV is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or drinks, or using the same toilet. The virus cannot be transmitted through saliva, sweat, tears, urine, or skin-to-skin contact.

HIV is primarily spread through the exchange of certain bodily fluids, including:

Blood
Semen
Vaginal fluids
Rectal fluids
Breast milk

The most common ways HIV is transmitted include:

Unprotected sexual intercourse with an HIV-positive person
Sharing of needles or syringes, especially among drug users
Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding (though this risk is significantly reduced with early HIV testing and treatment)

If you fall into any of these risk groups, getting an HIV test in Singapore is a proactive way to protect your health and the health of your partners.

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