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What can be an anxious, week-long wait for pathology results will be reduced to just minutes when rapid HIV tests make their debut in Bendigo this week.
The finger prick test – much like the one diabetes patients use to monitor blood sugar levels – takes just 20 minutes to return a result.
The VACountry initiative coincides with Pride Week in Bendigo and is available to gay and bisexual men at risk of acquiring the blood-borne virus.
LGBTI peers conduct the tests, a move VACountry co-ordinator Harry McAnulty said “broke down barriers” for queer people afraid of judgment.
“We know a lot of gay and bisexual men have a fear of attending medical-based services - a fear of homophobia,” Mr McAnulty said.
We know a lot of gay and bisexual men have a fear of attending medical-based services - a fear of homophobia.
- Harry McAnulty, VACountry
“Being able to talk to a peer - somebody who has the same lived experience as yourself - addresses that.”
Rapid HIV tests detect the virus in people who acquired it 12 or more weeks ago.
Patients can also give a traditional blood sample to test for more recent infections, and can be screened for other sexually transmitted infections too.
“Rapid testing is a useful tool, but having a full screening is really important,” Mr McAnulty said.
Someone who returns a positive result for HIV can commence treatment immediately.
Three new HIV diagnoses were recorded in Bendigo so far this year, a number Mr McAnulty said was low.
“But that doesn't mean that people are at risk of HIV,” he said, saying the virus was still cause for concern among same-sex attracted men.
VACountry and Bendigo Community Health Services are also overseeing the trial of anti-HIV drug PrEP in Bendigo, which is prescribed from a monthly clinic at BCHS.
Taken daily, the drug can safeguard a patient from HIV.
As many as 25,000 Australians are believed to be living with HIV, while 34 million people around the world have acquired the virus.
Testing will take place this Friday at VACountry headquarters on Myers Street. Phone 0437004680 to book an appointment.