Rapid Community HIV Testing Introduced in Singapore

An easy-to-use, rapid, in vitro immunoassay qualitatively detects both HIV type 1 and type 2 antibodies in human serum, plasma, and whole blood samples.

The test, which uses simple, single-use test cards, provides clear visual results in just 15 minutes, facilitating patient follow up. Patient anxiety is reduced and if necessary counseling and anti-retroviral therapy can begin immediately. Called the Determine HIV 1/2, the test is ideal for use in community clinics to diagnose, monitor, prevent, and screen for HIV infection.

Since August 2007, the Ministry of Health for Singapore has made rapid HIV testing available in community clinics across the country. In support of this new service, Inverness Medical (Bedford, UK) is promoting rapid HIV testing with informational posters in the 125 approved clinics. Rapid tests deliver reliable results in as little as 15 minutes whilst the patient is still present, whereas traditional blood tests for HIV can take days to provide results. Inverness Medical has launched Determine HIV 1/2 in Singapore in order to provide early diagnosis of HIV with the aim of saving lives and reducing the spread of AIDS.

There are over 40 million people around the world living with AIDS/human immunodeficient virus (HIV). Inverness Medical is committed to preventing the spread of this growing epidemic. By working with the Ministry of Health in Singapore the company will demonstrate the critical role of rapid diagnosis in the fight against AIDS/HIV worldwide


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Inverness Medical