Reasons Why I Get Tested for HIV, and You Should Too!

hiv, hiv test, hiv test results, hiv clinic

I know this might sound off for some and feel free to skip my post and continue your beautiful life.
But am here to share the importance of taking care of our health per se, and not brushing off the issue.

Every day my Facebook feed somehow flashing news about the increased rates of HIV positives, and I’m not here to judge. I’m here to encourage many of you to take your test as well.

And here’s what I always asked myself…

Why don’t you have your HIV Test? Is your life too busy to spare a day for a hospital clinic for your check-up and test?


Or maybe the facility isn’t available near you? Or maybe you find it expensive?

Or maybe you are afraid?

Even we know in our personal capacity that we always practice safe sex, it is still advisable that we get tested.

I just had my HIV test at St Luke’s Hospital BGC weeks ago. I’ve been doing my regular test just to make sure I am perfectly safe and healthy. I have an active lifestyle and managing it well and that includes having myself get tested.



And although I’ve tried the HIV test kit at home previously (which is also amazing), this time I tried to visit the hospital for a more thorough test.

My plans are shifting to a new flight, and I want to make sure that I am all prepared both physically, sexually, emotionally, etc for that period.

So I did.

And F**K that STIGMA!

It was a very normal thing to do, visiting the pathology department and ask for your blood test for HIV test, then filing up these 3-pages forms asking your sexual history (mostly) and paying for the consultation and test procedure. I was billed for Php2,258.76 (less the discount price of Php430.24, and I don’t know why there is a discount, hahaha). I was expecting that it will take a waiting time of a week or two for the result, but I felt surprised when the nurse told me it will be done after 6-hours.

OMG, that is fast.

Well, the HIV test kit is much faster however St Luke’s procedure is tolerable.

Before the procedure, the doctor/nurse will do a pre-consultation about your sexual history, a few Q&A just like this with Samantha.

After that, you will proceed to blood extraction. The nurse extracted 2-vials of blood from my veins, enough for the test, and returned my official receipt, and reminded me about the result that will be available after 6-hours.

hiv, hiv test, hiv test results, hiv clinic

It was so quick -  it’s like waiting your turn to order your Starbucks coffee, and no appointments are needed.



Well actually, queuing in Starbucks is more annoying and stressful than going to St Luke’s for my HIV test. hahaha

My result: NONREACTIVE

Yeah I know, it is quite expensive for some but it’s okay. The facilities are good and the people are professional, and I know that my information is safe. Although there are many free clinics that offer HIV tests, I am still not comfortable availing of their services due to confidentiality issues.


hiv, hiv test, hiv test results, hiv clinic

Yeah am sharing my experience, but I definitely won’t share my personal information.

Sharing these experiences with you only means that IF I CAN then YOU CAN as well. There is nothing to worry about getting a test. And if you happen to be reactive, then at least you will know it early and the hospital could assist you properly for further procedures.

It’s better to be safe always because our life is so precious just to be neglected.

 If you have any questions about the procedure, feel free to message me via email. I would be glad to help you, as able as I can.


Have you got yourself tested?




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55 comments :

  1. Yes, I totally agree about getting HIV tested. Its for their own safety, people need to understand, they ca get HIV from non sterile injections too,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, you might not get it sexually but accidentally from non-sterile injections. Sometimes that the more scarier part.

      Delete
  2. I also don't mind getting tested, I know how it can scare people when you think of what if but at the end of it all it's better safe than sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  3. It is good to protect our health from the diseases risk. You have done your right and educate others well.

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  4. I think this is such an important and easy thing to do. I would, just to make sure I'm healthy. I haven't done it yet though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is also a home test kit available online, if you opt to do it at home.

      Delete
  5. I think it's a great idea to do a check-up from time to time. I've never done HIV test, but I think it wouldn't be such a bad idea. Thank you for sharing your experiences. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you know your lifestyle, they there is nothing to worry about this test. Nowadays, many hospitals are requiring pregnant women to undergo an HIV test.

      Delete
  6. Its always good to know your status. Thanks for sharing the knowledge!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, and since we are planning to have a baby, it is part of the procedure to undergo a HIV test. Also the France law requires it.

      Delete
  7. I have not been test as I feel I am not at risk. I could be wrong and should suck it up and get tested.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is still nice to be tested, but if you know you have no reason and not active then no need :D

      Delete
  8. I have only had one sexual partner, my husband. I definitely believe in saving that intimacy for marriage. Because I have done that and his only partner has been me, I don’t see the need to have this done.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is a very informative post. Thank you for sharing and creating the necessary awareness regarding HIV testing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is good information about getting tested in order to erase the stigma. But maybe you should also clarify that it's not for everybody. The test is quite expensive to be done regularly if one is not sexually active or is having a monogamous relationship. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I strongly believe its for everybody. Even you have only one partner, you'll never know if your partner got injected with infected injection with HIV.

      It is expensive, that's a bummer but this is still cheaper than having your worries.

      Delete
  11. I have this test annually. Part of my job requirement since I work abroad. I think everybody should have this test.For everyone's safety. Especially for those who are sexually active.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. And when you got used to get it like part of the annual examination, then its become normal. Making sure we are safe is a great investment.

      Delete
  12. Coming from a region where there is a rise in HIV positive people, its important for me to be tested not becuase I have been promiscuous but because its for my healthy and peace of mind

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. It is better to be making sure we are all safe and healthy.

      Delete
  13. I didn't know that you can find out the HIV results that fast! I agree people shouldn't be afraid of asking for one or talking about it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know right?! I was expecting it will take weeks. But wow, when I learn that its fast, I like it!

      Delete
  14. It's a great idea to get checked out sometimes. Our health is the most important thing we have.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. Its also the best investment for ourselves to be healthy.

      Delete
  15. When you get married they test you. I have been married for just over 9 years now. I have not been tested since and would like to believe there is no reason to.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's great. Just be mindful of those injections in the hospitals or elsewhere.

      Delete
  16. Wow this is so helpful. I have not been tested in awhile but I feel like I should do it again. I mean why not its free :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. There are a lot of ways to acquire HIV. And we never know when or how we could get them. And, this is one way to be sure. The fact that the results and client's identity would be confidential, although it is every patient's right, gives us peace of mind.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's true Ruth. For me, it's okay to pay for this amount, for my peace of mind and safety, still this amount is still cheap :D

      Delete
  18. Getting tested is super important. I got one when I was pregnant (standard procedure in the United States) and fortunately no surprises when I came back negative. I will be teaching my little one when they are old enough to get tested often and not be embarrassed by it. That's the only way to deal with the stigma.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's true. Many hospitals nowadays are requiring pregnant Moms to undergo a HIV test, and I believe that's a good move.

      Delete
  19. It came to me as well, that having an HIV test could make or break me. Plus the fact that it's quite pricey. But, knowing that you are negative, gives you a peace of mind. Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree that many are also discourage to have a test because of some hefty price. But my point is, will you discount your own self's health and safety? I don't think I will.

      Delete
  20. I personally think it's a great idea to get tested.

    ReplyDelete
  21. This is a great safety measure in today's world. Not only for an individual, but everyone they are in contact with.

    ReplyDelete
  22. It is so important to get tested regularly. I know it can seem very scary but safety and our health is paramount and should always come first.

    ReplyDelete
  23. This is actually something I have never considered until today! If only I wasn't so afraid of needles :/

    ReplyDelete
  24. I agree with your ideas. This kind of stigma mustn't hinder people in wanting to undergo a test and see if they are healthy or not. Thanks for sharing this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If we keep on talking about this topic, the stigma will be erased.

      Delete
  25. I get it done from time to time since it's so important. But you are right, it's necessary for everyone!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If the demands of this gets high, the competition would be tougher hence, offering a more affordable price.

      Delete
  26. Hey Blair how many times have you use the home test kit?

    ReplyDelete
  27. Pwede ba mag patest ng Sunday? And may early morning ba sila or the standard 8am to 5pm lang?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I suggest you come as early as 8:00Am or 9:00AM so that you can get your result by 6:00PM the same day.

      Delete
    2. May Sundays ba?

      Delete

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