The importance of getting tested is something we cannot emphasise enough. If you are sexually active, it is recommended that you get tested at least once every six months. Knowing as early as possible is essential to help you obtain early and effective treatment, and it also means that with medication, anyone can live a healthy life of normal life span
GU Clinic Waiting Time
We are aware that there is currently a substantial waiting time for tests for asymptomatic people. Patients who need a PrEP subscription or a those with symptoms should specify this to the GU Clinic in order to get priority.
You can still get tested from home, by using a self-testing kit. Click the button below to buy a self-testing kit that will be sent to you to your home.
Before we start
Remember that stress sometimes plays funny games on our way of reasoning. Stress, when taken to an extreme, can also manifest itself on a physical level and play on our fears. HIV testing can be a stressful experience, especially if this is your first time. In most cases, this arises from underlying feelings of guilt, regret and fear, and all of that is absolutely OK.
Acknowledging that you may feel afraid, regretful and guilty is the first step towards feeling better.
For this reason, the Rainbow Support Services are available to help you with these feelings that might be overwhelming, allowing you to follow through with the testing.
The Genitourinary (GU) Clinic
Regular screening and testing can be undertaken at the GU Clinic in Mater Dei Hospital. It is free of charge and provided openly to anyone. You can call the GU Clinic for an appointment, however be aware that urgent appointments can be made. You can call the GU Clinic using the below number:
(+356) 2545 7491
or
(+356) 2545 7494
If it is your first time, it is normal to be a little bit nervous, but remember that so many people do these tests regularly. You will be treated with total confidentiality. The staff at the GU Clinic have met many different people and heard thousands of stories. Just be honest, they are very open minded and not judgmental. You only need to follow these simple steps.
1. Before Testing
It is recommended to abstain from sexual activity for 5 to 7 days before the test. Men and those assigned male at birth should remember to not pass urine for 2 hours before the test, because you will be asked to provide a urine sample. Otherwise, just carry on with your life normally.
3. At the Clinic
At the reception, you will receive a GU Number (a queuing number). The clinic is completely anonymous, so all lab tests will be done under this number.
3. The Test
4. Follow-Up
The test itself is anonymous and will not take a long time. You will be asked a few questions about your sexual activity and other relevant information. Let the staff know of any symptoms you would like to discuss to guide them better. You will be asked to provide the GU Clinic with a urine sample and a blood sample, together with an oral and anal swab. In case of any anomalies, such as warts, lesions or ulcers will be tested examined and as well.
The GU Clinic will give you a ‘GU Number’ which you will use as your reference number. Call the clinic a week after the test, and just give them the GU Number to get your results
5. Location and Opening Hours
The GU Clinic is located at Mater Dei Hospital (click for location).
Opening hours: Monday to Friday; from 7am onwards (Important to call/attend before 1pm).t
Self-Testing Kits
Since 2017, HIV self-testing kits have become available in local pharmacies. The kit gives you the ability to test for HIV at your own home without having to go to the clinic. Like the Rapid Test, it requires a small drop of blood, and the result becomes available within 15 minutes. The test is extremely accurate, and results showed that it is 99.8% accurate.
Keep in mind that the self-testing kit has a time-window of 3 months from last sexual encounter, to maintain accuracy. This means that the test is not adequate for those who have had a suspected encounter less than 3 months ago. In that case, call the GU Clinic for an urgent appointment using the details above.
Learn more and buy a self-testing kit from us by clicking the button below.
Rapid Testing
The GU Clinic also offers a Rapid Test service. This great service gives you the chance to get tested for HIV, and gives a result that is as accurate as the traditional test mentioned above. In the space of 20 minutes, the test which consists of the tiniest pin-prick on your finger will give a result on a strip which is quite similar to a pregnancy test. You do not need to call for an appointment. Just visit the clinic during opening hours and ask for the Rapid Test.
Remember that:
There is a 4-week window before potential HIV transmission is picked up by this test
A nurse, and not a doctor, will be conducting this test
This is a specific test for HIV only. You should still set regular appointments to test for other STDs as well as HIV.
Watch the video, prepared by the MMSA, that shows how easy it is to take this test.
Last Updated: 31 August 2023 - Updated numbers and information on testing at the GU Clinic
