Urgent Care After a Possible Exposure
Walk-in
Some treatments only work if they are started soon after an exposure. HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) must be started within 72 hours, and the sooner the better. Emergency contraception also works best when taken early.
Our Sengkang clinic is open 24 hours, so you can walk in the same day or night it happens. The visit is confidential and non-judgemental, and you do not need to explain more than the doctor needs to know to assess your risk.
- Risk assessment after sex without a condom or a condom failure
- HIV PEP, started at the clinic where it is indicated
- Needlestick and blood exposure at work or elsewhere
- Emergency contraception
- Initial support after a sexual assault, with referral to hospital services
- Baseline tests and a follow-up plan
How it works
Assessment
The doctor asks what happened and when, and assesses the risk of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and other infections.
Baseline tests
Blood tests are taken before treatment starts, usually for HIV, hepatitis and kidney function, with a pregnancy test where relevant.
Starting treatment
If PEP or another treatment is indicated, the first doses can be started at the visit. The doctor explains how to take it and the possible side effects.
Follow-up
You leave with a date for review, and repeat tests are planned after the course so the results are not missed.
Needlestick and blood exposure
Wash the area with soap and running water straight away and let it bleed gently. Do not scrub or suck the wound. Splashes to the eyes or mouth should be rinsed with plenty of water. Report it to your employer, then come in with details of the source if known. If you need a treatment the clinic does not keep, we refer you urgently to a hospital.
After a sexual assault
You can come to us for medical care, PEP and emergency contraception. We will not pressure you to report what happened. If you want a forensic examination or need hospital care, we help you get to the right hospital service quickly. Try not to wash or change clothes before a forensic examination if you can.
