Understanding HIV
What Is HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a retrovirus that silently attacks the immune system — often for years with no visible symptoms. Testing is the only way to know your status.
HIV is no longer a death sentence. With the right treatment, people living with HIV lead full, healthy lives. The first step is simply knowing your status. There is no judgment here.
How HIV Works
HIV attacks the body's immune cells — the cells that fight off infections and illness. Over time, if left untreated, the immune system weakens to the point where it can no longer protect the body. This advanced stage is called AIDS. With modern medication, most people with HIV never reach this stage.
How HIV Spreads
HIV is transmitted through specific body fluids — blood, semen, rectal and vaginal secretions, and breast milk. It cannot be passed through saliva, casual contact, food, water, or mosquitoes. The highest-risk route is unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse with an infected partner.
U=U — The Game Changer
U=U stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable. When someone with HIV takes their medication consistently, the virus drops to levels too low to measure in the blood — called 'undetectable'. At this level, they cannot pass HIV to a partner during sex. Treatment literally makes HIV untransmittable.
Not sure which HIV test you need?
Use the test finder below — or book a consultation and your doctor will recommend the right test. Doctor consultation fee applies.
HIV Testing Options & Pricing
Choose the Right HIV Test
Three test options — each suited to a different exposure timeline and result speed. Doctor consultation fees are charged separately.
HIV Lab-Based Test
4th Generation — Lab-Based Blood Test
Detects both HIV p24 antigen and HIV antibodies via a venous blood draw processed at a certified laboratory. Highly accurate from 28 days post-exposure. Best for patients who do not require a same-day result.
HIV Rapid Test
4th Generation — Point of Care Fingerprick
Detects both HIV p24 antigen and HIV antibodies via a quick fingerprick. Results delivered in-clinic within 30 minutes to 2 hours — no lab waiting required. Best for patients who need a fast, reliable same-day result.
HIV RNA PCR
Polymerase Chain Reaction — Most Sensitive Test
Directly detects HIV RNA (the virus's genetic material) in the blood — the most sensitive HIV test available. Ideal for testing shortly after a high-risk exposure when earliest possible detection is required. Requires venous blood draw processed at a certified laboratory.
Not sure which test to choose? Your doctor will assess your exposure timeline during consultation and recommend the most appropriate option — doctor consultation fee applies.
* All prices exclude doctor consultation fee. Doctor consultation fees are charged separately.
Prices shown are inclusive of 9% GST. Before-GST prices are displayed in compliance with Singapore's Price Transparency requirements. Doctor consultation fees are charged separately. All results are reviewed by an MOH-registered doctor.
Timing Your Test
Understanding HIV Window Periods
A window period is simply the gap between when you were exposed to HIV and when a test can give you a reliable result. If you test too soon, the virus hasn't built up enough in your body yet — so the test may say negative even if you're infected. Your doctor will tell you exactly when to test.
Why Window Periods Matter
Testing too soon after exposure can produce a false negative — meaning the virus is present but undetected. Your HOP doctor will assess your exact exposure date and recommend the test with the right detection window for your situation.
When to Retest
If your 4th Generation HIV test at 28 days is negative but you remain concerned, a repeat test at 8–12 weeks gives definitive reassurance. For very recent high-risk exposures (within 72 hours), ask your doctor about PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) immediately.
Rapid Results Available
The HIV Rapid Test (4th Gen fingerprick) delivers an in-clinic result in 30 minutes to 2 hours — no lab waiting required. The HIV Lab-Based Test and HIV RNA PCR require a venous blood draw and return results within 2–5 working days from a certified laboratory.
FIND YOUR TEST
Which HIV Test Do I Need?
Tell us when your potential exposure was and we'll recommend the right test.
How many days ago was the potential exposure?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
HIV testing, window periods, test types, and results — every question answered clearly.
Still have questions?
Our doctors are happy to help — no judgment, completely private.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding HIV
What Our Patients Say
"The 4th Gen rapid test was incredibly quick, and the doctor’s counseling afterward really put my mind at ease."
Sarah M.
Working Professional
"I appreciated how discreet and professional the entire process was, making a stressful situation feel completely manageable."
David K.
Student
"Being able to get the early detection RNA PCR test gave me peace of mind sooner than I expected."
Elena R.
Community Volunteer
One Test. Complete Peace of Mind.
HIV is manageable, treatable, and with U=U, untransmittable. The only thing standing between you and knowing is a 15-minute appointment. No judgment — ever.