Services for Foreign Residents
Frequently Asked Questions from Foreign Residents
FAQ on HIV Tests
| Q1： |
What is a rapid HIV test?
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| A1： |
A rapid test is an antibody screening test, which uses a rapid diagnoses test kit. It produces very quick results and can give you the test results in about an hour. Reagents used in the rapid test have a higher sensitivity than those used in other tests. As a result, in some cases, you may test positive even if you are not infected with HIV. In that case, another test is provided for further confirmation.
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| Q2： |
If I test negative in the rapid HIV test, does that mean that I am not infected?
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| A2： |
Your "negative" test result shows only your past HIV status. Without prevention measures, anyone may possibly get infected with HIV.
In the event that you test negative in a rapid test after three months have passed since the possible infection behavior, you are considered to be "not infected with HIV."
In the event that you have a test before three months have passed since the possible infection behavior, we would like to advise you to have a test again after three months of the behavior. We recommend you to do so even if your test result is negative.
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| Q3： |
If I test positive for the rapid HIV test, does that mean that I am definitely infected with HIV?
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| A3： |
There are cases that an uninfected person tests positive for the rapid HIV test (This is called false positive.). This occurs in about 1 out of 100 people (1%). For this reason, we provide a follow-up test and a confirmatory test when we have a positive test result, because it is necessary to determine whether it is a real positive (HIV infected) or a false positive (uninfected). |
| Q4： |
I am worried that I am infected with HIV through sexual intercourse with my male partner. Can I get a HIV test immediately?
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| A4： |
Make an appointment at the Hoken-jo (public health center) in your area. If you get a test before three months have passed since the possible infection behavior, you may test negative even if you are infected. Consult at the public health center first.
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| Q5： |
When and where can I get a HIV test?
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| A5： |
You can get an HIV test at public health centers in the prefecture. The tests are conducted by advance appointment only. We ask you to make an appointment at the public health center by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the test day.
| Public health center |
Opening days |
Hours |
Location and telephone number |
| Gifu Public Health Center |
1st and 3rd Thursdays
Evenings: 1st Thursday
(appointment required) |
9:00-10:40
5:30-6:10 |
1-1 Naka-Fudo-ga-oka, Kakamigahara City
058-380-3004 |
| Seino Public Health Center |
1st and 3rd Thursdays
(appointment required) |
8:45-10:15 |
422-3 Ezaki-cho, Ogaki City
Seino Sogo Chosha
0584-73-1111 (Ext. 273) |
| Seki Public Health Center |
1st and 3rd Thursdays
(appointment required) |
9:00-10:00 |
1612-2 Ikushi, Mino City
Chuno Sogo Chosha
0575-33-4011 (Ext. 375) |
| Chuno Public Health Center |
1st and 3rd Thursdays
(appointment required) |
9:30-11:30 |
2610-1 Shimokobi, Kobi-cho, Minokamo City
Kamo Sogo Chosha
0574-25-3111 (Ext. 365) |
| Tono Public Health Center |
1st and 3rd Thursdays Evenings: 3rd Thursday
(appointment required) |
9:00-11:30
5:30-6:30 |
5-68-1 Ueno-cho, Tajimi City
Tono Seibu Sogo Chosha
0572-23-1111 (Ext. 362 & 377) |
| Ena Public Health Center |
1st and 3rd Thursdays
(appointment required) |
9:00-10:30 |
1067-71 Shoge-ushiroda, Osashima-cho, Ena City
Ena Sogo Chosha
0573-26-1111 (Ext. 260) |
| Hida Public Health Center |
1st and 3rd Thursdays
(appointment required) |
9:00-11:00 |
7-468 Kamioka-moto-machi, Takayama City
Hida Sogo Chosha
0577-33-1111 (Ext. 311) |
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| Q6： |
How much does a HIV test cost?
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| A6： |
無料です。
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| Q7： |
I cannot communicate in Japanese. Are interpreters available at public health centers?
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| A7： |
Interpretation service is available as below. Consult at each public health center beforehand.
Seino Public Health Center: Portuguese
Chuno Public Health Center: Portuguese and Tagalog
Tono Public Health Center: Portuguese
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