The ‘Alt TV’ camera zoomed in on local gay television presenter Dennis Petrone and his co-host’s fingers last night at around 11.30pm, as their HIV test was broadcast live to air. Petrone and co-host Briar had each taken a practice test earlier in the day so they knew what to expect, but they still couldn’t help taking deep breaths as test-giver Wayne Otter from the NZAF’s Burnett Centre put his rubber gloves on. “It’s a small prick,” Otter said with a smile, as the needle pinched Petrone’s finger. “I felt it – very small. It didn’t really hurt – I’ve had worse paper cuts,” said the TV host bravely. “I’ve seen ’28 Weeks Later’ so seeing blood has no effect on me now,” he then quipped. While waiting for the results, Otter told the live ‘Curiosity’ sex information show audience about the rapid test, which gives results in exactly 10 minutes. “It’s a seventh-generation test – 100% accurate on positive results, 99-100% accurate on negative results. But remember it takes up to three months after exposure to the HIV virus before people create the anti-bodies to fight the virus, which is what the test is looking for.” After a short music clip, the hosts were back on air with the results – only one blue line had appeared on both test windows, meaning they had both tested HIV negative. Two blue lines would have meant a positive test, so a further blood test would be taken to confirm the result, and counselling given. “I just wanted people to see the test wasn’t scary,” Petrone tells GayNZ.com. Otter agrees. “We didn’t want to sensationalise it, but show people the process of what’s involved.” Petrone says he gets tested for HIV regularly. “And every time I get tested, I text my mother to let her know I’m OK”. The 10-minute rapid test is now available free from the following NZ AIDS Foundation centres: NZAF AUCKLAND BURNETT CENTRE: 1/3 Poynton Tce, Auckland Ph (09) 309 5560 Fax (09) 302 2338 Email: contact.burnett@nzaf.org.nz 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: GayNZ.com (m)