Tibetans could get HIV testing results within 24 hours

14:46, December 02, 2009

Tibetans are now able to attend the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in seven prefectures for HIV testing and obtain results within 24 hours, according to Tibet Business.

Tibet has set up 70 HIV monitoring posts so far. In Tibet disease control centers, medical blood collection and supply institutions and entry-exit inspection and quarantine bureaus serve as major monitoring posts for HIV.

In Tibet's capital of Lhasa there are five institutions qualified for HIV testing, namely, Tibet CDC, Lhasa CDC, Tibet People's Hospital, Tibet No. 2 People's Hospital and Tibet Traditional Tibetan Hospital.

Tibet's high-risk patients, pregnant women and immigrants are under strict scrutiny.

Kari, director of HIV Corroboration Center Laboratory in Tibet CDC, said: "Our laboratory is the only one that could affirm the AIDS in Tibet. Suspect HIV samples are eventually sent to our laboratory for the final testing."

HIV testing is free of charge. If you suspect that you are infected with the virus you could come here and undergo a testing, which will be done with a responsible attitude, according to Tibet CDC.

"We can ensure the privacy of HIV carriers and no one, not even a close relative, may know it without permission of the patient," Kari added.

Tibetans may also place a phone call to Tibet CDC (0891-6346396, 0891-6342599) to consult AIDS prevention and testing, according to the center. World AIDS Day falls on Dec. 1.

Source: Xinhuanet