SayPro Screening test only takes a few minutes

The screening test will take a few minutes using either a finger prick blood sample or a saliva mouth swab. The result is given immediately with the appropriate post test counselling. There is always a small chance of a false positive result with a screening test and therefore one should always go to a healthcare provider to perform a confirmatory HIV test for every positive result. A laboratory blood sample should be used for this confirmatory test.

Reasons for low testing rates include the following:

• The stigma associated with being HIV positive
• Concerns about confidentiality, legal and insurance issues
• Self perceptions of low risk in those who would test positive
• Denial
• Dislike of counselling
• Wishing to avoid anxiety when waiting for results

Fear and denial are the most common obstacles to HIV testing among those acknowledging that they have been at risk