GOSHH

HIV can be controlled with medication so it does no harm to you or your sexual partners. Hepatitis C can be cured with a course of medication. In order to get these medications, and remain healthy, you need to know whether you are living with these infections. A rapid test is a quick and painless way of finding out.

GOSHH currently provides rapid tests for both HIV and Hepatitis C. These tests are available to anyone who wants them.

Only you know if you may have been at risk from HIV or Hepatitis. Generally we work by the rule that it can’t do you any harm to test.

We always recommend that people use the local Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) clinic to get tested because it is also completely free and confidential, and tests for many different infections.

If you have been at risk from HIV or Hepatitis C, then there is a possibility you have been at risk from other STIs.

If, for some reason, you do not wish to test at the local STI clinic, then a rapid test is another option.

These tests are free. We do not take blood using a needle and syringe. We do the test by pricking your finger to get a small amount of blood. The test results are available almost immediately.

Before you have your test, we will explain about our referral process. You will be asked to sign a consent form.

• If your result is negative, we will tell no-one but you.

• If your result is reactive, we will tell you and your local consultant so you can get any medication you might need.

Apart from that, your test is completely confidential to you. We won’t even tell your family or partner unless you ask us to.

In order to get a rapid you can visit the office on Davis Street to make an appointment, email support@goshh.ie or ring 061 314354 during office opening hours.

These test kits can be used anywhere. We are looking for venues interested in hosting our testing teams for special testing events. If you own or manage a business or community space, and are interested in getting this service for your customers or clients, please contact us to talk about what is needed.

We have run testing events in hostels, bars, community centres, hotels and educational spaces across the mid west. We would also welcome interest from barbers shops, health and fitness venues and any other potential spaces in the region.

If you have any other questions about rapid testing, or testing in general you can PM me, email me or call me.
Billie