Summer just came in November as the Hot Doctors of ‘Pinas amped up the heat for this upcoming national HIV screening day on November 24, [2018] from 11:00am to 7:00pm. LoveYourself has partnered with more than ten (10) Community Based Organizations (CBOs) nationwide for you to experience private, secure, and accurate HIV testing in a fraction of the time and have a chance to chat with some of the Hot Doctors in the country.
Visit www.bitly.com/HotDoctorsPinas to sign up for a fast, free and anonymous HIV screening.
#HotDoctorsofPinas marks the sixth Community-Based Screening (CBS) event held by LoveYourself, beginning with Incognito in May 2016. These testing events are the organization’s efforts to reach out to more people for HIV testing, especially the youth. People who can’t come to the clinics who may have not gotten tested because of several factors—issues regarding their location, work schedule, lifestyle, even those who are uncomfortable to submit to screening due to stigma or lack of information— are offered a convenient alternative that maintains high standards of discretion, efficiency, confidentiality, and accuracy.
LoveYourself pioneered a fast and efficient HIV testing structure through CBS. In just 15 to 20 minutes, CBS shortens processing time compared to regular testing but assures accuracy of results with the use of immunochromatic assay kits. These rapid test kits, which look similar to pregnancy kits, only require a few drops of blood as sample.
What exactly should you expect to happen during a CBS setup at #HotDoctorsofPinas? First, each client is assigned a unique identifier code (UIC) and only contact information must be provided upon registration. Personal Information forms are not required to be accomplished.
After the registration, client shall proceed to the laboratory section for blood extraction. No worries here as only a pinprick using a sterilized lancet is enough to be used as a sample. Once blood is dropped onto the kit, a reagent is added to activate it. Results will then be read within 15 to 20 minutes.
While waiting for the results, our Hot Doctors will facilitate an engaging discussion about the screening process, basics of HIV and AIDS, and sexual health management. After which, a trained change agent or counselor shall conduct risk assessment prior to the release of result. This private individual session with a counselor is the best time to raise questions and concerns related to HIV.
It is important to note that with this method, you are both tested for HIV 1 and 2 but won’t be given a printed copy of your results for anonymity and confidentiality purposes. If you prefer to have printed copies of your result, just visit LoveYourself Uni or Anglo to avail of the standard testing process during regular clinic operations. Similarly, if your results from CBS turn out to be reactive for either or both HIV 1 and 2, it is recommended that treatment through our resident doctor be started even while waiting for confirmatory results from San Lazaro Hospital.
All discussions with our counselors, especially the results, will be kept confidential. So what are you waiting for, register now at www.bitly.com/HotDoctorsPinas to get tested, know your status and break the stigma.
To learn more about CBS assay testing kits and its accuracy, click on this link.
Text by Ronald Bugarin
