Why choose Skin111?
- Confidential & accurate STD testing and treatments.
- Sample collection from the comfort of your home / hotel room.
- Quick results and same day blood test results.
- Guaranteed best prices for top-quality service and products.
- Free consultation with highly experienced doctors.
- Home service available at a time and place of your convenience.
- Luxury clinics in Premium locations: DIFC and Nakheel Mall - Palm Jumeirah.
- Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM
- Free valet parking
- 40% discount with SKIN111 loyalty card.
- 0% interest payment plans available.
What is HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, which weakens the body's ability to fight infections. If untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), where the immune system is severely compromised. HIV is transmitted through unprotected sex, sharing needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. While there's no cure, antiretroviral therapy (ART) enables people with HIV to live long, healthy lives. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing the virus.
What is an HIV test?
An HIV test determines if a person is infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). There are three main types of HIV tests:
- Antibody tests: These tests detect antibodies to HIV in blood or saliva, providing results quickly, often within 20 minutes. While home kits are available, lab tests are recommended for accurate results.
- Antigen/antibody tests: These tests can detect both HIV antigens (p24) and antibodies, identifying the virus earlier than antibody tests alone.
- Nucleic acid tests (NATs): NATs detect the virus's genetic material and can identify HIV within 1 to 2 weeks post-exposure. They also measure the viral load in those already infected.
Additional tests include:
- CD4 cell count: Measures immune system health by counting the CD4 cells targeted by HIV.
- HIV confirmation tests:Used to confirm preliminary positive results, such as the western blot test, which detects specific HIV antibodies.
Testing during the window period (2 weeks to 6 months) may yield false negatives, so retesting after this period is recommended. Regular testing is crucial for early intervention and preventing the spread of HIV.
Importance of HIV testing
HIV testing is crucial for protecting both yourself and your partner from infection. Early detection allows for timely treatment, significantly improving the chances of living a long and healthy life. At SKIN 111, we emphasize that “prevention is the best cure.” Early diagnosis enables you to take preventive measures, such as practicing safer sex and starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) to reduce the viral load and prevent the spread of HIV to others.
Benefits of HIV testing
HIV testing offers numerous benefits, including access to medical care, support services, and interventions that help maintain your health. It also helps reduce stigma, encourages open conversations about HIV, and fosters a supportive environment for those affected. Testing provides peace of mind by eliminating the uncertainty of your HIV status, allowing you to make informed decisions about your health and relationships.
In some countries, including the UAE, a negative HIV test result is required for long-term visas or residence permits. Regular testing is especially important for those at higher risk of HIV, such as individuals with multiple sexual partners or those who use injectable drugs. Routine HIV screening is recommended for all adults and adolescents as part of regular healthcare, as it is one of the most effective ways to prevent and manage HIV.
How is confidentiality maintained during HIV testing?
At SKIN 111, we prioritize your privacy and confidentiality, especially regarding sensitive tests like those for HIV and other STDs. Before conducting an HIV test, we ensure that you are fully informed about the process, including how your information will be protected. Written consent is obtained to guarantee that you understand and agree to our confidentiality protocols.
Strict measures are in place to keep your information secure. Only authorized healthcare staff have access to your records, and all data is stored in compliance with legal protections. Test results are communicated solely through the consented mode of communication, such as your preferred email, ensuring that no other party is involved.
Our medical professionals, both in-clinic and through our at home services, are rigorously trained in confidentiality protocols. They adhere to the highest standards of ethics, ensuring your privacy is always respected.
Our SKIN 111 clinic and at home service providing medical professionals who attend to tests for HIV are highly trained regarding confidentiality protocols and codes of ethics for them to realize the need to protect a person's privacy.
The HIV testing process
The HIV testing process at SKIN 111 is streamlined and patient-focused, ensuring both convenience and confidentiality. Here's a summary of the steps involved:
- Pre-test counseling: Before the test, SKIN 111 medical consultants provide thorough patient education, discussing the testing process, confidentiality, and the implications of the results.
- Sample collection: You can choose between in-clinic testing or our convenient at home service, where a licensed medical professional will collect a blood sample from a vein at your preferred location (home, hotel, or office) and time.
- Laboratory analysis: The sample is sent to our accredited laboratory for analysis. Antibody/antigen test results are typically available within 9 to 24 hours, while more advanced tests, like the quantitative or Western blot confirmation tests, may take up to 10 days.
- Results delivery: Results are delivered securely via your consented email, ensuring your privacy. No information is shared without your explicit consent.
- Post-Test Support: Regardless of the outcome, SKIN 111 offers comprehensive post-test support, including safety guidelines, medical care, and treatment options, available both in-clinic and through our at home services.
- Follow-up testing: If there's a known exposure, follow-up testing is recommended, keeping in mind the incubation period, which can range from two weeks to six months. Those who test negative but are at continued risk are encouraged to undergo regular testing.
SKIN111 ensures that the entire HIV testing process is handled with professionalism, care, and the highest standards of confidentiality.
HIV test price and packages in Dubai, UAE
SKIN111 offers both in-clinic and at home testing facilities, ensuring a seamless, confidential, and timely experience. Our team of experts is available around the clock to answer any inquiries and arrange visits for sample collection at your preferred location—be it your home, hotel, or office—according to your comfort and convenience.
For those who prefer in-clinic services, we accommodate walk-ins and appointments, making the process as smooth as possible. Our DHA-licensed doctors are always on-site or on-call to address any concerns, provide clarity, and ensure your peace of mind throughout the testing process.
We offer the following HIV tests:
- HIV combo (HIV 1 and 2 antibodies and p24 antigen) - 270 AED
- HIV western blot confirmation test - 1,950 AED
- HIV 1 quantitative PCR - 2,100 AED
Our commitment is to provide you with the highest standards of care and confidentiality, making your health and well-being our top priority.
HIV test in Dubai: FAQs
When should i get tested for HIV?
The timing of HIV testing depends on various factors, including your risk level, the type of test, and any symptoms you may have. Here are some key situations when you should consider getting tested:
- Potential risks: If you've had unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, or shared needles with someone who is infected, you should get tested.
- Exposure: If you've been exposed to HIV, testing is necessary. Be aware of the "window period," the time between exposure and when the virus is detectable. For antibody tests, this period is typically 23 to 90 days.
- Symptoms: If you experience symptoms of acute HIV infection—such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, rash, or flu-like symptoms—and these symptoms are not generally diagnosed, get tested immediately.
- Routine testing: The CDC recommends that everyone aged 13 to 64 should have at least one HIV test as part of routine healthcare, even if you have no symptoms or known risk factors. Those with ongoing risk behaviors should test more frequently.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women or those planning a pregnancy should get tested early to ensure the health of both mother and baby.
- New relationship: Before starting a new relationship, some individuals opt for HIV and STI testing to prevent transmitting any infections.
Early diagnosis of HIV is crucial for effective management and preventing further transmission. If you-re unsure when to get tested, consult with your doctor for personalized advice.
How long does it take to get HIV test results?
SKIN111 is the first and most established provider of STD/HIV tests with the fastest response time and the most affordable prices. The tests need time to process, and the processing time of the tests are solely dependent on the mode of the tests. With no argument there are home test kits which provide you with instant results, but these are extremely unreliable due to errors, false positives and contamination risks.
An accredited and approved laboratory for testing will always have to follow the highest guidelines and standards in delivering accurate results. Hence the standard tests will be run in labs with the highest controls and safety parameters as HIV is a life concerning disease.
Therefore, based on the time of collection of the samples the test turn around times may vary as stated below.
HIV combo (HIV 1 and 2 antibodies and p24 antigen) - 9/12/24 Hour per the time of sample collection
HIV western blot confirmation test - 1950 AED - 10 days
HIV 1 quantitative PCR - 2100 AED - 10 days
How can i ensure my HIV testing is kept confidential?
- In-Clinic and at home Services: We offer both in-clinic and at home testing options, providing a seamless, confidential experience without delays. Our team is available around the clock to address any inquiries and arrange testing at your preferred location—whether it's your home, hotel, or office.
- Credible healthcare providers: Choose a reputable healthcare provider or lab service with a strong track record in medical practice and confidentiality.
- Accredited reports: Ensure that the test provider offers accredited and approved reports, reflecting high standards of accuracy and reliability.
- Confidential processes: Confirm that the provider details the process of education, sampling, and reporting clearly, and adheres to strict confidentiality policies.
- Secure communication: The provider should use secure and standard methods for communicating consultations, interpretations, and results.
- Strict information policies: The provider must adhere to stringent information policies, ensuring that only authorized individuals receive the results based on your consent.
At SKIN111, we prioritize your confidentiality and privacy throughout the HIV testing process. Here's how we ensure that your information remains secure:
At SKIN 111, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of confidentiality and privacy, ensuring that your health and well-being are always our top priority.
Is anonymous HIV testing available at SKIN111?
At SKIN111, while we are committed to maintaining strict confidentiality and privacy, we do not offer anonymous HIV testing. Instead, we ensure your privacy through secure and confidential procedures. This means that while your personal information is protected and only accessible to authorized personnel, some identifying details are necessary for proper medical and follow-up care.
Our focus is on providing a secure and supportive environment where your health and well-being are prioritized. If you have concerns about privacy or need more information about our confidentiality measures, please feel free to reach out to our team for further clarification.
Is anonymous HIV testing available at SKIN111?
At SKIN111, while we are committed to maintaining strict confidentiality and privacy, we do not offer anonymous HIV testing. Instead, we ensure your privacy through secure and confidential procedures. This means that while your personal information is protected and only accessible to authorized personnel, some identifying details are necessary for proper medical and follow-up care.
Our focus is on providing a secure and supportive environment where your health and well-being are prioritized. If you have concerns about privacy or need more information about our confidentiality measures, please feel free to reach out to our team for further clarification.
How are my HIV test results communicated to me?
At SKIN111, your HIV test results are communicated with the utmost confidentiality and security. Here's how we handle the process:
- Official communication channels: We use only our official modes of communication to ensure the confidentiality of your results. From the time of your inquiry through to the delivery of results, we adhere to strict privacy protocols.
- Consent-based delivery: Once the test results are available, they are sent exclusively to the email address you provided during the testing process. This ensures that only you have access to your results.
- Access and interpretation: Your results are accessible only to authorized medical practitioners and the testing facility. If you require an interpretation or further explanation, you can request this from our DHA-licensed medical staff.
Our team is fully committed to handling your results with the highest level of privacy and professionalism, ensuring that your concerns are addressed with care.