Frequently asked questions |
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What is meant by “Exposure to HIV”?
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The following are considered a risk for transmission of HIV:
- Vaginal or anal non-protected intercourse (or condom failure) with a seropositive person.
- Exposure to sperm in the mouth is also considered a risk.
- Sharing of syringes with a seropositive person.
If you have doubts about your degree of risk, ask your doctor or the HIV/AIDS Unit at the Geneva University Hospital (022/372.96.17).
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I have been exposed to HIV. When should I do an HIV test?
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It is recommended to wait 6 weeks after exposure.
The test does not turn reactive immediately after exposure.
If you test too early, your test might still be negative, even though you are infected and very contagious.
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What do I have to do?
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Either before or during your first appointment, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire on any contact you may have had with the HIV virus.
You will have an interview with a nurse specialist.
You will be offered the possibility to have a risk evaluation performed for other sexually transmitted infections (e.g. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, hepatitis A, hepatitis C). According to the results of this evaluation we will carry out the appropriate screening tests. We can also test your immunity to hepatitis B. A urine test for sexually transmitted bacteria will also be performed.
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Is the test reliable?
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The test is extremely reliable and can exclude HIV infection if it is done more than 6 weeks after exposure.
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How long will it take?
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About 30 minutes are necessary for the interview with the nurse specialist, the blood tests and collection of your HIV test result.
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When will I get the results?
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You will be able to collect the results for any additional screening tests (e.g. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, hepatitis A, hepatitis C) about 3 working days after your first appointment, and on presenting your proof of payment. If necessary a consultation with a specialist will be organised.
If you are found not to be immune to hepatitis B, we can start a vaccination program for you. However this vaccination is not done anonymously, but the cost can be claimed on your health insurance.
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How much does it cost?
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The consultation with a specialized nurse and the rapid HIV detection test (result in 15 minutes) are billed at 10CHF.
In the event of additional screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), an additional cost of CHF 40 for the joint detection in urine of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea and of CHF 100 for a complete assessment (including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis A, B, C and Syphilis) must be paid for on the day of your consultation.
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What will happen exactly?
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You will answer a questionnaire regarding exposure to HIV before counselling.
Then, you will talk with an experienced nurse, who will counsel you regarding future avoidance of risk and who will answer any questions you may have.
At the end of this counselling session, the nurse will stick your finger to obtain blood for the rapid HIV test.
Results are available 20 minutes later.
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How about confidentiality?
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You can get an appointment for the test anonymously.
All medical professionals must respect confidentiality, which includes everything that is said during the counselling session.
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Is it possible to have an appointment by phone?
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Only if you have a technical problem with the online date book. In that case, please call this number: 022 372 96 01
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What is the schedule for HIV testing?
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From Monday to Friday, according to date book
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What is a post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?
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If you have been exposed to HIV, taking anti-HIV drugs may lower the risks of infection. This treatment must start as soon as possible after exposure; in no case it is efficacious after more than 48 hours. Treatment includes 3 different drugs must be taken during a month, and costs approximately CHF 1’400.--.
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When should you take post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?
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In case of HIV exposure, less than 48 hours ago.
Before proceeding, you should discuss indications for PEP with a doctor.
At the Geneva University Hospital, you can either contact the HIV/AIDS Unit from Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 18.00, calling 079 55 34 656, or you can go to the Emergency (weekends and during the week after 18.00).
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Should you have any questions or would like further information you may contact the nursing staff for anonymous testing at the following telephone number: +41 22 372 96 01.
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