Hiv Test

[vertigo4u]

hi to all

can anybody inform me, how much a hiv test normally costs and how fast can it be done?

any recommendations to get this test fast in pattaya and bangkok?

thanks in advance

[Sheryl]

There are different types of HIV test. The most widely done is an antibody screen, the "rapid test"can be done while you wait. I don't know the cost but it is quiote cheap. The drawback is that, since it depends on the presence of antibodies, it is not reliable in the early months of infection. Becomes >90% reliable after about 3 months of infection and almost 100% by 6 months. Hence people who test negative but have had any possible exposure in the the past few months are advised to repeat the test in 3 months time and then again at 6 months. If you are concerned about a recent high risk exposure, this may therefore not be of much help.

The other option is something called a PCR test which measures actual presence of small amounts of virus in the blood, this is the only way to reliably tell if you have been infected recently. it is more expensive, I don't know exactly but I would think at least 5,000 baht, maybe other readers can advise better. It also takes about a week to get the results.

The rapid antibody based test is available at all hospitals and also all giovernment health centers, although there have been reports of poor interpersonal skills/confidentialty on the part of providers (e.g. people being given their test results in the waiting room etc).

The PCR test on the other hand is only available at major hospitals and probably only in Bangkok, although I expect that Bangkok Pattaya could draw the blood and send it to Bkk for testing. Bumrungrad is where most people seem to have it done.

Since the PCR is much more costly, I'd suggest you first get the rapid test, since if it is positive there is no need for a PCR. If iut is negative and you had a high risk exposure in the past few months, you then have a choice of either waiting a few months and repeating it, or getting the more expensive PCR test for your peace of mind.

Good luck.

[sgunn65]

I had to get a test done for Lasik surgery!!!! Bizarre! Anyway it cost 400 baht from a private hospital and the results were available in 30 minutes

[wasabi]

The Thai Red Cross in Bangkok, somewhat near Sala Daeng Station is an affordable and reliable place to test. They also do anonymous testing. You get your results in about an hour.

Also third generation tests, in use by most testing centers these days have 80% or greater reliability in just one month. That's not to say you shouldn't get tested again at 3 and 6 months for total certainty. but at least you can put your mind somewhat at ease within 30 days after exposure.

[tuffy]

I had to get a test done for Lasik surgery!!!! Bizarre! Anyway it cost 400 baht from a private hospital and the results were available in 30 minutes

Same deal, I had mine done at BNH Hospital in BKK prior to Lasik and I had the results in under an hour I think the cost was 500 baht for me.