Anonymous HIV testing will not require your name, NRIC number or even contact number. Instead, your test will be assigned a number, which allows you to receive your test results without having to record any personal particulars – even if you test positive.

You will be required to fill in an anonymous questionnaire so that you can tell us more about yourself, but rest assured that details will be kept strictly confidential!

Find out more about the Mobile Anonymous Testing Service at www.afa.org.sg/mts.php

Anonymous HIV testing encourages more individuals who might suspect that they are at risk to go for early HIV testing. In 2007, 30 per cent or 131 out of 423 HIV cases reported were detected through anonymous testing. Anonymous HIV testing offers privacy and confidentiality, so that more people can be encouraged to determine their HIV status.

Testing early helps to control the spread of HIV, as people with HIV can then take measures to protect their partners from being infected. It also allows them the chance to live normal productive lives with early treatment and care.

Rapid HIV test kits are used in anonymous HIV testing. This means your test results is available within 20 minutes – quicker than it takes for you to complete an episode of Next Top Model! Compare that to a conventional (Western blot) HIV blood test, which can take up to two weeks for results.

So you don't have to suffer the anxiety of long waiting periods! And because you'll be informed of your result on the same day, there's no need to leave behind any form of personal particulars or contact information – easy peasy!