DOH: 168 labs now offer faster HIV confirmatory testing

MANILA, July 11 ------ The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) confirmatory testing in the country is now faster and more accessible, with 168 rapid HIV diagnostic algorithm (rHIVda) laboratories currently operational nationwide. “Kung ikukumpara noon, aabot sa pitong araw hanggang tatlong linggo bago malaman ang HIV status ng isang tao sa pamamagitan ng confirmatory test. Ngayon, isang araw lang ang kakailanganin para makuha ang resulta,” the DOH said in a public advisory.

The rHIVda is used to validate reactive results from initial HIV screening tests. Confirmatory testing is required before a person can be officially diagnosed and enrolled in treatment services. Citing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of HIV, the DOH said the certified rHIVda confirmatory laboratories are strategically located across the regions. The list of rHIVda sites can be found at: bit.ly/rHIVdaSitesPH.

The DOH said the establishment of these laboratories is part of the National HIV, AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), and STI (sexually transmitted infections) Prevention and Control Program’s strategy to strengthen case finding and improve HIV testing capacity. The Philippines has a 95-95-95 health target: 95 percent of people living with HIV to know their status, 95 percent of those who know their status to receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 percent of those on ART to achieve viral suppression by 2030.

Source: pna.gov.ph