Vilma Pietilä, Hivpoint’s Executive Director since last year, told that her goal is to expand Hivpoint’s low-threshold testing services. A year later, we are happy to announce that we reached the goal and our testing services have expanded. In addition to HIV, the Checkpoint testing service also allows you to get tested for other STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis), and there are more appointment times available than before.
Targeted STI testing services and counselling can be offered up to 1,000 people during the year, and testing is available twice a week. The testing service is targeted for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, and migrants. In addition, the service welcomes people living with HIV, gender minorities, and male travellers who have been at risk of contracting an STI while travelling.
Public healthcare does not reach everyone which is why low-threshold services are needed, especially now that the number of STIs is on the rise. Unfortunately, there is no permanent funding for this service, but it’s great that with the project funding of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health we can offer a more comprehensive service this year. We promote well-being and equality, and at the same time we enhance the prevention of STIs.
Vilma Pietilä, Hivpoint´s Executive Director
Why are Hivpoint’s low-threshold testing services needed?
- At Hivpoint, HIV infections are diagnosed about two years earlier than elsewhere in health care.
- The earlier STIs are detected, the sooner treatment can be started and more serious health problems can be avoided.
- Early detection of STIs also prevents further infections.
- Low-threshold testing services are accessible to customers, and the service is available in different languages. You can book an appointment for the test but, if necessary, you can also enter the service without an appointment.
- Hivpoint’s testing services reach people at risk of an STI but who find it difficult to seek services from public health care for various reasons.
- Hivpoint’s targeted testing services are not just about offering customers the opportunity to get tested. The service does not only include testing, but also individual counselling and support services, outreach work and targeted communication.
According to customer feedback, Hivpoint’s testing service has a professional and friendly staff with special expertise in STIs and an understanding of the needs of service users. It is easy and safe to get here. For many people in need of testing, the service has made it possible to get tested for STIs more often. For some people, Hivpoint’s service is the only place to get tested.
Sami Tuunainen, Hivpoint´s specialist, development of testing services
Testing for STIs twice a week by appointment
In the Checkpoint STI testing service, it is possible to get tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. Chlamydia and gonorrhea tests are taken as a urine sample or as a rectal or throat swab according to what kind of sex you have had. Syphilis and HIV are tested from the blood, either with a rapid test or a venous blood sample.
You can get tested for STIs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The service is free of charge.
The STI testing service operates mainly by appointment. The appointments available for booking are mainly between 2 pm to 6 pm on Tuesdays and between 12 pm to 4 pm on Thursdays.
The easiest way to book an appointment is through our online appointment booking system.
You can also enter the testing service without an appointment on Tuesdays from 2 pm to 5.30 pm and on Thursdays from 12 pm to 3.50 pm. If you arrive without an appointment, you may have to wait for your appointment or we may book you an appointment for the next testing.
Walk-in HIV rapid testing on Thursdays
Rapid HIV testing will continue to be offered without an appointment once a week. Walk-in HIV testing service is available on Thursdays from 12 pm to 4 pm. The service is free of charge and anonymous.