At Collins Street Medical Centre we use the Alere Comination Rapid HIV test.
This test is able to detect antibodies to HIV 1 & 2 as well as the enzyme P24.
P24 is an enzyme that rises soon after infection with HIV.
For this reason this rapid test is able to detect HIV infection as early as 14 days after exposure to HIV.
It is important to understand that it can take up to 90 days, the HIV window period, before we can confidently say that a HIV test is negative. For this reason you may need to get a second test for confirmation if it’s been less than 90 days after your exposure.
If you have been exposed to HIV in the past 72 hours it’s important to see a doctor urgently to see if you require PEP – a medical treatment that can prevent HIV infection after an exposure to HIV.
If you have had an exposure to HIV and it’s been less than 72 hours please book for an urgent PEP appointment with Dr George on 1800 138 156. If he is not available you can head straight to your local emergency department for immediate assessment.