Rapid HIV & Syphilis Testing

The only way to know if you have an STI is to get tested. Knowing your status is the first step to staying healthy. It's better to know as soon as possible, so you can take charge of your health, seek treatment and stay in control.

Rapid HIV & Syphilis Testing | Positive Health | Wellness Fund | HIV+ Peer Navigation | Circle of Friends Memorial

How can I know if I have an STI?

The only way to know if you have an STI is to get tested. Knowing your status is the first step to staying healthy. It's better to know as soon as possible, so you can take charge of your health, seek treatment and stay in control.

What if I have a positive result for HIV?

If you have a positive HIV result, it is important you engage in treatment as soon as possible. HIV treatment has evolved over the decades to great efficacy and minimal inconvenience. Current and publicly funded medication options in New Zealand usually entail two pills a day, rarely cause side effects, and are provided to everyone irrespective of residency status.

Treatment allows people living with HIV to lead perfectly healthy long lives and achieve an undetectable viral load. When undetectable, you cannot pass on the virus. The term most commonly use for this is U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable).

Plus, you won’t be alone: there plenty of great local resources available, including our peer support, free counselling at Burnett Foundation, and gender-specific services at Positive Women.

What if I have a negative result?

If you have a negative result, we can discuss a prevention strategy to keep you negative and healthy. Using condoms and lube continues to be an effective option for preventing HIV. However, it is no longer the only one available.

The most effective single prevention method for HIV is PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). PrEP is a pill that contains HIV medication prescribed to HIV-negative individuals. When taken as recommended, PrEP is 99% effective against HIV acquisition.

Likewise, PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) can be as effective when started within 72 hours after potential exposure to HIV. You can access PEP through GPs and emergency rooms. PrEP and PEP are the same drugs, just taken differently according to your exposure situation (pre or post).

When should I get tested?

You should get tested regularly rather than on an event basis. Twice a year is recommended, but if you have multiple partners and don't always use condoms, every three months is even better!

Getting tested regularly keeps you engaged with your sexual health, allows for early detection/treatment of STIs and supports your general health.

Where can I get tested in Auckland?

If you’re in Auckland, simply pop along to Body Positive during our drop-in hours for a fast free 60-second HIV/Syphilis test - no appointment needed! Rapid testing is also available at selected sex-on-site venues in Auckland on a monthly schedule.

For men who have sex with men, free gonorrhoea and chlamydia swabs are also available at Body Positive via the drop-in clinic. Or for a full STI check-up, STI treatment or a PrEP assessment, book in for our weekly Sexual Health Clinic at Body Positive which is run by our lovely Sexual Health nurse.

For Maori and Pasifika, women and straight men under 30, gender-diverse folks, people who inject drugs, and men who have sex with men - contact Auckland Sexual Health Services for an appointment for any testing, treatment and PrEP assessments.

You can also talk to your GP about getting a full STI screening. The GP visit will incur a fee, however the lab tests should be free if you’re eligible for publicly funded health services in New Zealand.

What if I’m not in Auckland?

You can access a list of nationwide sexual health services at nzshs.org and justthefacts.co.nz.

We are currently working on updating and improving a national database of services.

If you need assistance finding services that are right and convenient for you, please contact us.

About The Rapid Test

What's involved in having a Rapid HIV & Syphilis Test?

We use the 'INSTI Multiplex HIV-1/HIV-2/Syphilis Antibody Test'. A simple pin prick is made on your thumb to produce a small drop of blood which is then added to the kit to determine the presence of any HIV or Syphilis antibodies. The whole process is quick and painless and normally takes less than 5 minutes.

How long does it take for HIV & STIs to show in tests?

These are the testing window periods (the time after possible exposure where a possible infection will show up in tests)

HIV: 4 weeks
Chlamydia: 2 weeks
Gonorrhoea: 2 weeks
Syphilis: 12 weeks

If you may have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, do not wait to test. Get immediate advice on taking PEP.

How long does the Rapid Test take?

The process is very quick, it normally only takes a 20 minutes in total.

Will I get my result straight away?

Yes, the counsellor conducting the test will give your your result instantly, so there is no stressful wait involved.

What if I have had Syphilis before?

If you have had Syphilis before then your body will already contain the Syphilis antibodies. In this case you will need to have a full lab test via your local Sexual Health or GP instead of a rapid test. You can of course still have the Rapid HIV Test.

Is it confidential?

Yes, all information discussed when you are tested, including your details and your result and your completed consent form, are completely confidential.

How much does it cost?

The test is free of charge to everyone. However if you do want to make a donation towards the work that Body Positive does in the community we would be very grateful.

Donations can be made to the reception desk by Cash, Eftpos or via Credit Card at the time of your test or at any other time using the following options.