HIV Self-screening at 144 Oxford
Come and collect a kit at the Anglo Clinic on the 6th floor of 144 Oxford
Knowing one’s HIV status is essential to the success of the global HIV response. To augment the available wellness services, the Anglo Clinic offers an option that allows employees to carry out HIV self-screening. HIV self-screening (HIVSS) is a voluntary process in which an employee collects his or her own blood specimen (through a finger prick), performs a screening test, and interprets the result – usually alone in a private setting, or with a trusted individual. HIVSS is offered as an additional approach and does not replace existing Anglo American HIV testing services.
Key principles
The test is free and not mandatory, i.e. an employee does not have to take a test kit or conduct the self-test. An employee who does choose to collect a test kit can either follow the instructions contained within the test kit, or alternatively ask the health team for directly-assisted HIV self-screening. Voluntary counselling and support services will be available both before and after the test – an employee can decide if they want to use these services. For counselling, follow-up and reporting purposes, employees are encouraged to discuss their results with Sister Nandipha Matiwane in the health team. However, this is not compulsory.
Employees can conduct the self-screening test at home or in another private setting. Alternatively, employees can ask for a directly-assisted HIV self-screening consultation.
This can be provided either at the clinic or via a Microsoft Teams consultation
The HIVSS kits come with pre-test and post-test information. Users should carefully read the package insert for more information. Employees requiring any assistance should contact Sister Nandipha on 011 638 4535 or
nandipha.matiwane@angloamerican.com.
The HIV self-screening test does not provide a definitive HIV-positive diagnosis. This is because, as with all HIV testing, a single rapid diagnostic test is not sufficient to make an HIV-positive diagnosis. This is a screening test, and a reactive (positive) HIV result must be followed by a confirmatory test.
Irrespective of the result of the self-screening test, employees have the option of discussing their results with the health team. A reactive (positive) HIV test must be followed by a confirmatory test. Employees with a reactive test result are welcome to contact Sister Nandipha for a confirmatory test that will be conducted by a trained healthcare provider.
