A revolutionary new rapid HIV test which gives a result back in only twenty minutes is being introduced to the New Zealand AIDS Foundation's Hamilton Centre and Christchurch Clinic from Tuesday 1st May. NZAF Regional Manager Tim Allingham says the new test is free, confidential, painless, and reduces the anxiety caused by waiting. “The whole testing process has been simplified - before you'd have to take a full blood test, and wait for the result to come back from a lab, which can take up to eight days. Now you can come along to our centre for a single appointment of sixty minutes or less and get it done in one go,” explains Allingham. The new rapid test involves taking two drops of blood via a finger prick, which is then put into the testing device. Counselling is provided both before and after the test. “The test came out at the top in a World Health Organisation review of rapid test systems, so it is very accurate,” Allingham says. “It's just as reliable as the regular test you would get at your GP or sexual health centre. NZAF first introduced the rapid testing system as a pilot programme at its Auckland centre in December last year. Demand has been heavy, with a 240% increase in testing numbers. “The positive feedback from that pilot has been overwhelming,” Allingham says. “We've received comments from users saying they had been putting off getting an HIV test previously because of anxiety over the long wait. Users also reported that their awareness about safe sex practices has been increased since coming in for their rapid test.” HIV is most easily transmitted via anal sex without a condom, meaning that men who have sex with men remain the highest group for infection in New Zealand. 70 new infections among gay and bisexual men were recorded last year, a rate of one every five days. “Estimates are that as many as one in three people with HIV don't know they have it,” Allingham says. “It's better to know if you're HIV-positive, so you can start looking at treatment early if necessary. If you've put yourself at risk by having unsafe sex, or you're not sure about your HIV status, please come in and pay us a visit.” NZAF HAMILTON CENTRE: 11 Ohaupo Rd, Hamilton Ph: (07) 838 3557 Email: contact.hamilton@nzaf.org.nz NZAF SOUTH/TE TOKA CLINIC: 269 Hereford St, Christchurch Ph (03) 379 1953 Email: contact.tetoka@nzaf.org.nz Ref: NZAF (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 26th April 2007 - 12:00pm