Mascot Healthcare · Akoka, Lagos

HIV
Testing &
Counselling

Rapid Antibody · Confirmatory Testing · Pre- & Post-Test Counselling

HIV testing is one of the most important health decisions you can make. Knowing your status allows you to protect yourself and others, access treatment early if positive, and live a healthy life. Our testing is completely confidential — results shared with no one without your consent.

Book Your Test Learn More

30 min

Rapid Test
Result

100%

Confidential
Results

Free

Counselling
Included

HIV Test Result

Rapid Antibody Test

Non-reactive

HIV antibodies not detected — negative result

Negative ✓

Counselling

Pre & Post-Test

About the Test

Different Methods, One Answer

HIV testing has a defined algorithm: screening with a rapid test, confirmation with another method. The algorithm ensures no false positives reach the patient — a reactive rapid test is never reported as positive until confirmed. Understanding the process removes unnecessary anxiety.

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Rapid Antibody Test

Detects HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies in blood within 15–30 minutes. Sensitivity above 99%. A non-reactive (negative) result on a rapid test is highly reliable after the window period. A reactive result triggers confirmatory testing — it is not reported as a positive diagnosis alone.

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ELISA Confirmatory Test

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is the laboratory standard for HIV confirmation. Used when rapid test result is reactive or indeterminate, or when a patient requires a documented negative for employment, travel, or medical procedures. Highly sensitive and specific. Results in 24–48 hours. This method is done through a referral.

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Pre- & Post-Test Counselling

Counselling is not optional — it is part of the test. Before testing: we discuss risk factors, window period, and what a result means. After testing: we explain the result, address implications, discuss next steps (treatment referral if positive, prevention if negative), and answer all questions privately.

When to Test

Five Reasons to Get an HIV Test

Annual Routine Testing — All Sexually Active Adults

WHO recommends HIV testing as part of routine healthcare for all sexually active adults. Many people live with HIV for years without symptoms. Annual testing normalises HIV awareness and ensures early detection — when treatment is most effective.

Possible Exposure — Unprotected Sex or Needle Sharing

After any potential exposure (unprotected sexual contact with unknown status partner, shared needles, or blood exposure), test at the earliest opportunity. If within 72 hours, PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) may prevent infection — seek this urgently. Test again at 90 days to confirm.

Pregnancy — Antenatal HIV Screening

HIV-positive pregnant women transmit to their babies in up to 40% of cases without intervention — but with antiretroviral therapy, this falls below 1%. Every pregnant woman should be tested at their first antenatal visit. PMTCT (prevention of mother-to-child transmission) is highly effective when started early.

Pre-Employment or Travel Medical Requirements

Some employers, healthcare institutions, and certain countries require documented HIV-negative status. We provide a signed laboratory report acceptable for most employer and institutional requirements in Nigeria.

Partner Testing or Pre-Marital Screening

Couples should know each other's HIV status before marriage and during the relationship. Testing together is a positive health decision, not a statement of distrust. We offer discreet individual or couples testing with separate result delivery.

HIV Testing Window Periods

Rapid antibody test

Reliable at 90 days

4th gen Ag/Ab test

Reliable at 45 days

PEP eligibility window

Within 72 hours

Definitive negative

90 days post-exposure

⚕️ A negative result within the window period does not rule out recent infection. If exposure was within the past 90 days, retest at 90 days for a definitive result. Tell us when your possible exposure occurred.

Preparation

How to Prepare for Your HIV Test

HIV testing is one of the simplest blood tests — almost no preparation required. What matters most is timing.

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Wait for the Window Period

HIV antibodies take up to 90 days to develop after exposure. A test done within the first few weeks may give a false-negative result — not because you don't have HIV, but because your body hasn't produced detectable antibodies yet. If you tested early, retest at 90 days for certainty.

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No Dietary Preparation Needed

No fasting, no dietary restriction. HIV testing is a simple blood draw — come as you are. You can eat and drink normally. The only preparation is knowing when your possible exposure was, so we can advise whether the timing is appropriate for a definitive result.

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Your Result Is Private

Your HIV test result is protected by patient confidentiality. It will not be disclosed to your employer, family members, or partner without your explicit written consent. You choose who receives your result — we enforce that boundary absolutely.

Why Choose Us

Trusted HIV Testing in Akoka & Beyond

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Absolute Confidentiality — No Exceptions

HIV status is among the most private health information a person holds. We follow strict ethical and legal confidentiality protocols. Results are delivered to you alone — never disclosed to family, employers, or partners without your written consent.

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Counselling Before and After — Included

Pre-test counselling prepares you for any result. Post-test counselling explains what your result means, what to do next, and how to protect yourself and others. Counselling is not an add-on — it is part of responsible HIV testing practice.

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30-Minute Rapid Results

The rapid antibody test gives results in 15–30 minutes. You do not leave wondering. Positive results trigger immediate confirmatory testing and counselling — you leave knowing your status and your next step, whichever the result.

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Referral to Treatment if Positive

A positive result is not the end — it is the beginning of a manageable health journey. We provide immediate referral to antiretroviral treatment services and support — HIV-positive patients today have normal life expectancy on treatment.

"I was terrified to test. The counsellor at Mascot Healthcare spent time before and after the test — explained everything, answered my questions, was completely non-judgmental. The result was negative. I was so relieved. I'll test every year from now on."

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Anonymous

Patient, Yaba · 2025

3,000+

HIV Tests Done

4.9★

Patient Rating

100%

Confidential

30 min

Rapid Results

Book Your HIV Test

Know Your Status. Take Control.

Walk in or book ahead. Located at 52 Sholanke Street, Off Chemist Junction, Akoka, Lagos.

Monday – Saturday · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Closed Sundays & Public Holidays

08165866252 WhatsApp Us Book Online

Completely confidential · Results in 30 minutes · Walk-ins welcome

HIVTesting &Counselling