HIV Testing in Singapore
Singapore has made significant strides in HIV testing availability and accessibility. Regular testing is recommended for sexually active individuals, especially those with multiple partners, men who have sex with men (MSM), or those with known exposure risks. Late diagnosis remains a challenge — approximately 30–40% of new HIV cases in Singapore are diagnosed late (CD4 count < 200 cells/mm³), when treatment is more complex and transmission risk has been higher for longer.
Types of HIV Tests
| Test Type | Description | Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| 4th Generation Combo (Ag/Ab) | Detects HIV antigen (p24) AND antibody. Most common clinical test. Window: conclusive at 45 days from exposure. | $60–$120 (private clinic) |
| Antibody-Only (Rapid) | Used in self-test kits and rapid point-of-care tests. Window: conclusive at 3 months. | $40–$80 (self-test kit from pharmacy) |
| HIV RNA NAT (Nucleic Acid Test) | Detects HIV genetic material. Earliest detection at 10–14 days. Ideal for known recent exposure. | $150–$300 (private clinic) |
| Self-Test Kits | OraQuick (oral swab) or INSTI (finger prick). Unconfirmed reactive results require follow-up clinic testing. | $40–$80 (Guardian, Watsons, Unity) |
PEP: If You've Had a Potential Exposure
- PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): 28-day antiretroviral course. Available 24/7 at NUH, SGH, TTSH, KTPH A&E departments. Also at some private sexual health clinics during opening hours. Cost: $1,000–$2,000 at private clinics; subsidised at restructured hospitals.
- PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): Daily oral antiretroviral tablet (Truvada/TDF+FTC) that prevents HIV infection when taken consistently. Highly effective (>99% when taken daily). Available at private sexual health clinics. Cost: $80–$200/month for generic Truvada; quarterly monitoring required.
See our researched shortlist: subspecialty focus, credentials and clinic websites, checked against public records.
View the shortlist →HIV testing is available at polyclinics, restructured hospitals, designated testing sites, and private clinics (including sexual health and GP clinics). Anonymous testing is available at Action for AIDS (AFA) and selected sites. Testing is confidential. You can also purchase self-test kits from pharmacies (OraQuick, INSTI HIV Self Test) for testing at home.
The window period is the time between HIV exposure and when a test can accurately detect the infection: 4th-generation combination tests (antigen/antibody): detects HIV in most people by 18–45 days; conclusive at 45 days. NAT (nucleic acid test): detects HIV RNA as early as 10–14 days; most accurate for recent exposure. Older antibody-only tests: conclusive at 3 months. For PEP candidates, seek immediate medical advice within 72 hours of exposure.
HIV testing at private clinics and AFA is confidential — results are not automatically reported. However, a confirmed HIV-positive result is a legally notifiable disease in Singapore and must be reported to MOH by the healthcare provider (not the patient). This notification is used for public health tracking. When contacting partners, the clinic will work with you on disclosure — partner notification is recommended but the method can be discussed with your doctor.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a 28-day course of antiretroviral medication that can prevent HIV infection if taken within 72 hours of potential exposure. It is most effective when started as soon as possible (ideally within 24 hours). PEP is available at public hospital A&E departments and some private sexual health clinics in Singapore. It is not a substitute for regular prevention — PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a better option for ongoing high-risk exposure.
Polyclinic: $20–$50 (subsidised for Singapore citizens/PR). Private GP/sexual health clinic: $50–$150 (comprehensive STD panel including HIV). AFA anonymous testing: $30–$50 (self-funded). Self-test kits (pharmacy): $40–$80. HIV RNA/NAT testing (early detection): $150–$300 at private clinics. 4th-gen antigen/antibody combo: $60–$120 at private clinics.