Getting blood tests on Koh Samui

[xebozone]

After having an incident with a razor blade in a barber shop, my doctor told me that I should get some immediate tests for:

Hep C antibody, liver function & HIV serology

Could anyone recommend a good, clean, professional place to get these tests done? Preferably in the Chaweng area.

Is the Bangkok Hospital any good?

What are the estimated costs and waiting times?

Any experiences?

Thanks, all.

[Tropicalevo]

Bangkok Samui Hospital will be abe to do those tests. There is also a lab on the opposite side of the road to Big C- towards Surat Bann Suuay. They might do it if that is closer. Probably not as professional as the hospital. If you have a Bangkok Airways card - I believe that you get a discount at BSH.

[xebozone]

Ahh, great. Thank you for that information.

Do you know of the estimated costs of such tests?

[Tropicalevo]

Sorry, no idea and the website does not help. I go and get MY PSA checked now and again and the blood test, consultation with the specialist, prescription etc etc come to just under 4,000 baht usually. I'll know next week as it is time for a check-up.

[ClutchClark]

You should post on the Medical thread.

Cheryl is the "go-to" person on TV for this subject.

I get barber shop shaves all the time--even in Thailand.

They all use "safety razors" here and its important to confirm they change out a new blade in front of you.

Some use a regular disposable for some parts of the shave--sometimes to knock down my thick beard before using the safety razor.

Are you certain the blade was used on someone prior to you?

Good luck.

[samuijimmy]

I don't think this needs to be moved to the health forum, local information is better...

I have never had a barber use a used blade here in Thailand, they always use new ones unwrapping in front of you .... and dispose of when done. (Did OP not see the barber do that?)

Personally I use Nathon Samui hospital, always a quick turn around for blood tests, although HIV test would probably go to BKK ?

Prices and services always reasonable there.

[khunPer]

Any of the hospitals should be able to do that test. There is also an International in Chaweng on the northen part of the Beach Road, and also one opposite Tesco-Lotus. Bandon International next to Big C - a bit further down the Ring Road towars Fisherman Village/Nathon, may be the cheapest of the International hospitals.
Samui Hospital in Nathon, mention by SamuiJimmy above, is a (good) public hospital and may have little less fee than Bandon...

[Tropicalevo]

A good summary from KhPer and here are the details for all of the hospitals on Samui (from TV)

http://samui.thaivisa.com/koh-samui-hospitals/#.VFUIbcmk-00

In my personal experience -

a few bad stories about Bandon Hospital. Not many - but originally for cosmetic surgery in the bad old days I believe.

SIH was the first real International hospital on the island. I used them a lot in the early days - but other later hospitals had better facilities/specialists.

Inter Samui became my next preferred hospital - until I was being (mis) treated for a motorbike accident (minor - but cost me over 50,000 baht in fees). Just for road rash. I was talking to a nurse on one visit and she admitted that the doctor treating me had personal problems and had turned to drink!!!

Nathon - very good. By far the cheapest. Two problems. Long queues at times and a long way from Chaweng/Plai Laem etc. You do not want to be in a general ward there and impossible to get a private room. (The last four times that I have taken friends there - no rooms. Waiting list only.) Excellent emergency treatment. (Last month a friend had a heart attack. Sorted and out in three days. Approx 15,000 baht)

Bangkok Samui Hospital - by far the best equipped and with a lot of specialists flown in on a regular rota. Also the most expensive most of the time although lately, I have found them to be more competative with the other hospitals, and so far - the best treatment (for me.) I would not go there for anything minor.

I would say - this is my personal experience. Others may see things differently.

[Rooo]

There is a new clinic, staffed by alll ex employees of the 2 major international hospitals. It's off the ring road near Bophut traffic lights, go down Old Soi Monkey , now Soi Khao Phrah & just follow the signs.

It's called Sri Phala ( will check exact spelling )clinic, actual hospital/ accommodation wing will be built later. At the moment all I can say is it's a good alternative to the International hospitals, supplies all services & of what I understand & have consulting specialists.

Also charges seem to be quite reasonable, well at least 1/2 of of BKK Hospital..

[xebozone]

Thanks for the info guys. Really helpful.

I'm still undecided whether to go for Bangkok International, Nathorn or at the lab near big C.

My girlfriend was waiting for me at the barber. She said that she saw them use the same blade with many people, as they were quite busy and had no time to clean/dispose of the blade for each individual (the same guy was attending to many customers at the same time, and did tell me he will 'be back in a moment' several times during my session). I didn't see them use the blade on others nor did I see them take a new one for me. Actually, when he used it on me, I was taken by surprise, as he seemed to just pull it out of his little draw of tools or from a toolbag on his person. I assumed that they would have cleaned it first... But better to be safe than sorry and get myself checked.

[xebozone]

Thanks Rooo. I might give them a try. Just saw your reply now.

[ClutchClark]

When did this happen?

HIV would not show up for quite awhile after the exposure.

Again, I would encourage you to contact the Mod/Nurse Cheryl about the specific exposure.

There is helpful info by posters about Samui hospitals but no medical wisdom.

[Tropicalevo]

When did this happen?

HIV would not show up for quite awhile after the exposure.

Again, I would encourage you to contact the Mod/Nurse Cheryl about the specific exposure.

There is helpful info by posters about Samui hospitals but no medical wisdom.

Apologies from me - I read the OP as asking for advice on hospitals, not medical advice.

[ClutchClark]

When did this happen?

HIV would not show up for quite awhile after the exposure.

Again, I would encourage you to contact the Mod/Nurse Cheryl about the specific exposure.

There is helpful info by posters about Samui hospitals but no medical wisdom.

Apologies from me - I read the OP as asking for advice on hospitals, not medical advice.

Your advice on hospitals is very useful and everyone visiting anyplace in thailand should immediately familiarize themselves with emergency medical care locations.

And you could very well be correct he was not asking for advice but I was just suggesting check with Cheryl to see if testing is beneficial at this point based on circumstances of exposure and time since it occurred. I think both HIV and Hep-C can take up to several months before the antibodies will trigger a positive test.

Sending him to hospital now might be putting the cart before the horse ;-)

Edited November 2, 2014 by ClutchClark

[carmine]

When did this happen?

HIV would not show up for quite awhile after the exposure.

Again, I would encourage you to contact the Mod/Nurse Cheryl about the specific exposure.

There is helpful info by posters about Samui hospitals but no medical wisdom.

Its Sheryl.

[Rooo]

OP can ask Medical clarification on incubation time etc....Here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/forum/23-health-body-and-medicine/

[xebozone]

The incident happened about a week ago. Yes, I was asking about local information, not medical information. My doctor said that the menioned tests in the OP should be done immediately. There are more tests after 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.

I drove around the Bophut area yesterday. I noticed 3 clinics. There was a Rayajee clinic (not sure of the real name), the Sri Phala (not correct spelling, I think) mentioned by Rooo. It has an orange sign (you said it's not open yet?), and the Samui International Lab (which has a big blue 'water' drop sign above the door?). What is the Rayajee clinic? Is that just a 'beauty' clinic, or is this another option?

You guys are always very helpful. Thanks!

[Rooo]

The clinic is open ,the hospital stay part isn't.

[ClutchClark]

The incident happened about a week ago. Yes, I was asking about local information, not medical information. My doctor said that the menioned tests in the OP should be done immediately. There are more tests after 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.

I drove around the Bophut area yesterday. I noticed 3 clinics. There was a Rayajee clinic (not sure of the real name), the Sri Phala (not correct spelling, I think) mentioned by Rooo. It has an orange sign (you said it's not open yet?), and the Samui International Lab (which has a big blue 'water' drop sign above the door?). What is the Rayajee clinic? Is that just a 'beauty' clinic, or is this another option?

You guys are always very helpful. Thanks!

Just out of curiosity--did the barber splash on any aftershave? And what kind of razor was used?

I only ask because I get shaves regularly (as I mentioned previously).

And if you are worried about Hep-C infection, I think its encouraged to wear a condom until given the all clear.

Good luck.

[xebozone]

No aftershave.

It was a long straight razor that's normally inserted into a handle...

and I always wrap the presents

Cheers

[EmptyHead]

The Hep C test is a good idea as Hep C can stay alive for months after being exposed to oxygen. Don't worry about HIV - it dies within moments as soon as it comes into contact with oxygen.

If you are really worried about HIV, you can get a NAAT test at the Thai Red Cross Anonymous Clinic (in Bangkok) for a couple of hundred baht. This test is 99.99% accurate after 10 days from exposure. You can get the same test for free at the Silom Community Clinic (also in Bangkok). However, the Red Cross only has a 3 day turnaround for the results (it is now 10 days for NAAT results Silom Community Clinic)

Otherwise, a 6 week antibody test is above 99% accurate (100% at 12 weeks).

But like i said, you ain't gonna get HIV from a razor in a barder shop, not unless you we cut instantly after a person with HIV was cut (and i really mean instantly).

Edited November 3, 2014 by EmptyHead

[EmptyHead]

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The incident happened about a week ago. Yes, I was asking about local information, not medical information. My doctor said that the menioned tests in the OP should be done immediately. There are more tests after 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.

I drove around the Bophut area yesterday. I noticed 3 clinics. There was a Rayajee clinic (not sure of the real name), the Sri Phala (not correct spelling, I think) mentioned by Rooo. It has an orange sign (you said it's not open yet?), and the Samui International Lab (which has a big blue 'water' drop sign above the door?). What is the Rayajee clinic? Is that just a 'beauty' clinic, or is this another option?

You guys are always very helpful. Thanks!

Just out of curiosity--did the barber splash on any aftershave? And what kind of razor was used?
I only ask because I get shaves regularly (as I mentioned previously).

And if you are worried about Hep-C infection, I think its encouraged to wear a condom until given the all clear.

Good luck.

Hep C doesn't spread by sex. It is blood-to-blood transmission only, unlike HIV which is spread by different bodily fluids (to blood). Both parties would have to be bleeding during sex for Hep C transmission to be possible.

I don't think we should be making the OP worry unnecessarily with wrong information.

Edited November 3, 2014 by EmptyHead