Rapid HIV testing to start in South Australia
Image: HIV rapid testing in action. (Photo: Anthony Smith. Supplied.)
THE opening of South Australia’s first rapid HIV testing clinic has been hailed as a great achievement following months of hard work.
South Australia became the last state in Australia to have rapid HIV testing after the Rapido testing clinic opened its doors today.
SHine SA CEO Jill Davidson said the new service will encourage more people to undergo HIV testing and sexual health screening.
“This is the first time that South Australians will be able to attend a clinic where rapid testing for HIV is available,” Davidson said.
“Operated by Shine SA, the Rapido service will provide HIV results within about 20 minutes, compared to several days when using standard testing methods.
The service which has been a year in the making will be open on Fridays and Saturdays with SA Health Chief Medical Officer Paddy Phillips saying the service will be especially valuable for people that may not have had HIV testing in the past due to the time taken for test results to be available, and concerns about stigma and discrimination.
“We expect that by introducing this quick and convenient service more people will choose to undertake a HIV test, find out their HIV status and be linked to specialist care and treatment earlier,” Phillips said.
The Rapido service is located at 57 Hyde Street, Adelaide, and anyone seeking more information is encouraged to phone 08 7099 5300 or visit www.shinesa.org.au.
