HIV Testing - Get Quick HIV Screening With Same-Day Results at PULSE Clinic!

Rapid HIV testing in Thailand with PULSE Clinic. Take control of your sexual health. Get fast, accurate, and confidential HIV testing results. Our rapid HIV test technology that takes only 20 minutes and gives reliable results at over 99% accuracy!

HIV Testing Price

Book Same-day HIV Test Appointment

Contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat on your preferred platform:

HIV Testing Process

Don’t worry! We understand that getting an HIV test might sound intimidating. HIV testing is just like any other doctor’s visit. Our staff will help guide you through the process (services in multiple languages available for our foreign patients) to ensure a smooth experience.

1. You can book an online appointment or visit a PULSE branch near you for a walk-in.
2. Register at the reception, and if needed, consult with the doctor.
3. Collect the test sample with our nurses. (Blood drawing, finger prick, or oral swab.)
4. Receive your results. Some tests only take less than half an hour!

What is HIV Test?

An HIV test analyzes a sample of blood or oral fluid to determine if a person has an infection of HIV. It is the only definitive method to be certain about someone’s HIV status.

How Accurate is the HIV Test?

HIV tests are incredibly accurate at over 99% accuracy. The current HIV testing methods are over 99% accurate in detecting if someone has or does not have HIV. 

HIV tests must be taken within the recommended window period for accurate results. The test’s precision depends on the test type and the timing relative to potential exposure.

Why Should You Get an HIV Test?

HIV test is the only way we can be sure about the HIV status. Routine HIV tests are crucial for prevention and treatment. Asymptomatic HIV (HIV that shows no symptoms) can persist for years and still be transmitted. Early treatment is highly effective in controlling symptoms.

Who Should Get an HIV Test?

Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should undergo at least one HIV test. People with higher HIV risks should consider getting tested more frequently. You may have a higher risk of HIV if you:

• Have multiple sexual partners.
• Have unprotected sex.
• Have protected sex but it fails (condom broke, etc.).
• Are a man who has sex with men (MSM).
• Are a sex worker or exchanged sex for favors.
• Have sex with someone living with HIV.
• Have sex with someone with unknown HIV status.
• Have sex with someone with high-risk behavior.
• Have a history of sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• Have a history of hepatitis.

You may never know if you have the virus. Some people remain asymptomatic (show no symptoms) for years before the HIV progresses to its later stages. The only way to determine if you have HIV is through testing. 

How Often Should You Get an HIV Test?

• Every 3 to 6 months, if you have multiple sexual partners, use injected drugs, or are a man who has sex with men.
• At least once a year for people who have a low risk of HIV.

Frequent testing is also advised if you’re taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

How are Each Type of HIV Test Different?

Modern HIV tests excel at over 99% accuracy when tested after the appropriate window period. The differences that the tests look for are the main factor that affects the reliability of the test results.

Antibody Tests

Which tests are antibody tests? 3rd generation HIV test, HIV home test kits (e.g. OraQuick), urine HIV test.

HIV antibody tests detect antibodies produced by the body in response to HIV infection. It has a window period ranging from 23 to 90 days. These tests have longer window periods because the body requires time to react to the infection. Some antibody tests only require a finger-prick blood sample, an oral swab, or in urine.

Antigen/Antibody Combo Tests

Which tests are combo tests? 4th generation HIV test, some HIV self-test kits.

Antigen/antibody tests, unlike rapid tests that only detect antibodies, look for both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen. Sometimes, this type of test is called a combo test because it also detects the protein produced by the virus in addition to the body’s reaction to HIV. This significantly enhances their accuracy and reduces the window period to 18 to 45 days after exposure.

Nucleic Acid Tests (NAT)

Which tests are NAT tests? HIV PCR test

HIV PCR RNA tests are laboratory-based tests that detect the actual virus in your blood. They identify the genetic material within the HIV, providing an accurate confirmation of infection. It takes the longest to produce the result because PCR (NAT) tests require processing time in the laboratory. 

This type of test can detect HIV as early as 10 to 33 days after exposure. PCR (NAT) tests are typically used to confirm positive results from antibody or combination tests. HIV PCR RNA tests are also called viral load tests. This method is not only used for HIV testing but is a routine test for people living with HIV to measure the amount of HIV in the blood.

Why Get HIV Test at PULSE Clinic?

• PULSE Clinic offers confidential and discreet sexual health care, ensuring that all tests are anonymous.
• We open every day, including weekends!
• We are here to help, not to judge. PULSE prioritizes patient support and understanding, avoiding unnecessary questions and focusing on providing assistance.
• With over 11 years of experience in HIV care and having tested over 100,000 patients from 196 countries across the world, PULSE Clinic stands as a trusted provider in the field.
• Our extensive network spans across Asia, with multiple branches in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and the Philippines, making HIV care accessible to individuals in all these regions.
• Our highly experienced team of staff is dedicated to providing professional expertise in sexual health care, regardless of your sexual history, identity, or orientation.
• PULSE Clinic offers sexual health services in 10 languages, ensuring that patients from diverse linguistic backgrounds can receive the care they need.

HIV Window Period

HIV tests cannot detect HIV immediately after infection. You will need to wait a little bit for the test to be able to accurately detect the sign of HIV. This time between the exposure and the test is called the window period. 

• Standard HIV Blood Test 23 to 90 days after infection
• Urine Test 23 to 90 days after infection
• Rapid Blood Test 18 to 90 days after infection
• Rapid Oral Test 23 to 90 days after infection
• Antibody/Antigen Test 18 to 45 days after infection
• 4th Generation Test 13 to 42 days after infection (shorter)
• Nucleic Acid Tests (NAT/PCR) 10 to 33 days after infection (the shortest)

Taking an HIV test before the window period is over can result in a false negative, because your body may not have produced enough viral markers to be detected.

If you were exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, seek immediate medical attention for emergency post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which can help prevent infection.

Why Does the Window Period of HIV Testing Matter?

All tests are equally accurate. Modern HIV tests are over 99% accurate. The main differences between these tests are what signs of HIV they are looking for. To get the accurate results, you need to get the right test for the right window period.

Different tests look for different signs of HIV infection at different stages. If you test too early, you might still have HIV but get a false negative result. That’s why it’s super important to choose the right test and wait until the window period is over to get the most accurate results! 

How Long Does It Take to Get HIV Test Results?

Rapid HIV tests can provide results in as little as 20 minutes. (3rd generation, 4th generation, and OraQuick)

PCR RNA HIV tests may take 3-5 days as the test needs to be processed in a lab.

What Do Your HIV Test Results Mean?

The HIV test result will be sent to you once the process is done. Here is what the test result means.

Here’s What We Offer at PULSE Clinic

• Rapid HIV, Syphilis & Hepatitis B/C Test – All in one go!
• PCR28 Comprehensive STD Test – Covers 28 infections.
• HPV DNA Test – Protect yourself with 100% protection against 9 HPV strains!
• HPV Thin Prep – Women, protect yourself from cervical cancer with a simple test!

Essential STD Testing Package

HIV Self Test Kit

You can buy an HIV test kit and have it delivered to your doorstep. HIV self-test kits offer a convenient, private, and reliable way to check your HIV status at home. You can collect your sample quickly and easily by yourself and get your results within minutes.

	Item	Price
	3rd generation HIV self-test kit (HIV antibody rapid test kit)	550 THB
	4th generation HIV self-test kit (HIV antibody/antigen combo test kit)	1,390 THB
	OraQuick (Oral swab HIV self-test kit)	700 THB

Book Same-day HIV Test Appointment

Contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat on your preferred platform:

Where to Get an HIV Test?

(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions About HIV Tests

What does specificity mean in HIV tests?

Test specificity measures a test’s ability to accurately identify people who do not have HIV (showing a negative result). High specificity means it has a low rate of false positives. At over 99%, modern tests rarely give false positive results. 

What does sensitivity mean in HIV tests?

Test sensitivity, or true positive rate, measures the percentage of accurate HIV diagnoses. High percentage sensitive tests mean it has less chance to give out false negatives. Most modern tests generally have over 99% sensitivity. However, the window period can affect how sensitive the test is. It is important that you get the right test at the suggested window period.

Does HIV testing hurt?

You might experience slight discomfort when collecting the test sample. Most HIV tests involve either a small finger-prick blood sample or a standard blood draw from a vein. Usually, it only takes a few minutes.

Should I get tested if I have no symptoms?

Yes. HIV usually does not cause symptoms during the early stages. About 10-60% of people can live with HIV for years without noticeable signs. Regular HIV testing is important for anyone who is sexually active or may have had potential exposure.

Can tourists get HIV testing in Thailand?

Yes. PULSE Clinic provides HIV testing services for tourists and international visitors. We offer services by a team of English-speaking healthcare staff and offer same-day results for those who are on a tight schedule.

Which HIV Tests Should I Get?

The type of HIV tests you should take depends on how long you have had your risk. The window period is crucial in determining if the test will give out reliable results, as some tests may not be able to detect the presence of HIV if the body has not produced enough antibodies.

• Had the risk less than 3 days ago? Urgent! Come see us NOW for HIV PEP (the emergency pill that helps prevent HIV).
• Had the risk around 10 days ago? Try our HIV PCR RNA Test that can detect HIV early. Results ready in 3-5 working days.
• Had the risk 14-16 days ago? We’ve got your back with the HIV Combo Test. Results in a speedy 20 minutes!
• Had the risk 22-28 days or more? Time for the HIV Antibody Test. Results in 20 minutes.

Why Get Routine Testing Every 3 Months?

3 months is the perfect time for most types of tests so they show the most reliable results without it being too long for early treatment. This frequency helps make sure you stay clear about your sexual health. Get back the control of your sexual health by detecting and treating potential infections early.