Dr Derran M Govender offers confidential HIV testing, PrEP and PEP at his practice in Durban North. Testing is done with a rapid finger-prick test or a laboratory blood test. PrEP prevents HIV before exposure, and PEP is emergency treatment after a possible exposure.
HIV testing
- Rapid test: a finger-prick test with results in about 15 minutes.
- Laboratory blood test: a more sensitive test that picks up HIV earlier after exposure.
All testing is confidential. If a test is positive, Dr Govender confirms the result and starts treatment straight away.
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)
PrEP is a daily tablet that HIV-negative people take to prevent HIV. Taken every day, it is highly effective at preventing HIV through sex. You’ll have an HIV test and a kidney function test before starting, and regular check-ups while you’re on PrEP.
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)
PEP is emergency HIV prevention after a possible exposure, such as a condom breaking, sexual assault or a needlestick injury. It’s a 28-day course of HIV medicines and must be started within 72 hours of exposure. The sooner it’s started, the better it works. If you need PEP, come in as soon as possible.
For information about ongoing HIV care, see the chronic disease management page.
What to bring
Please bring:
- your ID
- your medical aid card, if applicable
- a list of your current medicines
- any previous test results
Fees and medical aid
The practice accepts all major medical aids. For fees, contact the practice.
Appointments
The practice is open Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00, and walk-ins are welcome. Book an online or in-person appointment.
Frequently asked questions
How does PrEP work?
PrEP contains HIV medicines that build up in your body. If you’re exposed to HIV, they stop the virus from taking hold and copying itself. PrEP is most often taken as a daily tablet.
Long-acting injectable PrEP has also been developed. Cabotegravir is an injection every two months, and lenacapavir is an injection twice a year. They work the same way, without a daily pill.
Who should take PrEP?
PrEP is for HIV-negative people at ongoing risk of HIV, including people who:
- have a partner who is HIV-positive or whose status is unknown
- have more than one sexual partner
- don’t always use condoms
- have recently had a sexually transmitted infection
- inject drugs or share needles
- are sex workers
How soon can HIV be detected by a blood test?
Results are available quickly: the rapid test takes about 15 minutes, and the laboratory test is more sensitive. After a possible exposure, you’re tested straight away to check your current status, and the test is then repeated at set intervals to confirm the result.
Can you take PrEP after 72 hours?
No. PrEP is taken before an exposure. After a possible exposure, you need PEP, which must be started within 72 hours. After 72 hours, PEP is no longer recommended, but you should still have an HIV test and follow-up testing.
References
- Grant RM, Lama JR, Anderson PL, et al. Preexposure chemoprophylaxis for HIV prevention in men who have sex with men. N Engl J Med. 2010;363:2587–2599. Read source
- Landovitz RJ, Donnell D, Clement ME, et al. Cabotegravir for HIV Prevention in Cisgender Men and Transgender Women. N Engl J Med. 2021;385:595–608. Read source
- Bekker LG, Das M, Abdool Karim Q, et al. Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir or Daily F/TAF for HIV Prevention in Cisgender Women. N Engl J Med. 2024;391:1179–1192. Read source
- World Health Organization. Guidelines for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. 2024. Read source