HIV Testing
About Testing for HIV
HIV testing is fast and easy. Any doctor can request a laboratory HIV test for you.
Our clinic RAPID can do a test on the spot, using just a drop of blood from your fingertip, with results in about 20 minutes. You can visit our free RAPID walk-in clinic in Fortitude Valley or one of our testing nights at Wet Spa & Sauna.
You can also order a free home test kit for RAPID and have it discreetly mailed to you. Home test kits are also available from some local pharmacies at a reasonable price.
The window period for HIV testing is 3 months. This is the time between when you come into contact with HIV and when it will show up on a blood test. If you’re especially worried about HIV, we suggest testing at 6 weeks after sex (or injecting), when the test is very likely to be accurate, then again after another 6 weeks to be sure.
The window period for HIV is part of why regular testing is so important. How often you test depends on what kind of sex you have and how often. At least once every year is a good idea for everyone, and people who are more sexually active might like to consider closer to every 3 months.
HIV transmission is increasingly rare in Australia, mostly due to new technologies like PrEP and PEP. Most people living with HIV in Australia also have an undetectable viral load, which means the level of virus in their body is so low there is ZERO chance of passing on HIV through sex.
Living with HIV is not scary like it once was. New medications are simple to take, with less side effects than in the past. Most people with HIV live long and healthy lives. Very few people in Australia ever develop AIDS, the illness that happens when HIV is not treated effectively.
If your HIV test is positive, it’s no big deal these days. QPP has a range of support options for you. We can help you get in touch with a clinic to start treatment and support you with everything from social help to advice about work, migration, and more.
Our Clinic
Our discreet Fortitude Valley testing clinic is located at 725 Ann Street. We’re open Tuesday – Saturday. We don’t take appointments, just walk in.
Home Testing
If you don’t live near us, or you’d prefer to test privately, you can order a home test. You’ll receive the simple kit discreetly in the mail.
Our trained team is here to help you should you have any questions or need support. You can call for free from a Queensland land-line on 1800 636 241 or call (07) 3013 5555 (national). You can also email us or use the contact form or the chat function in the corner of our website.
