Prepared by: Bratislav Prokić, December 2022
Why is there testing in Potent?
We know that testing is very important, but it can also be stressful. Men who have sex with men, sex workers or PrEP users should be tested more often. That’s why we strive to adapt testing to the needs of the community and make it safe, secure, efficient and as stress-free as possible.
Secure - we work with registered and reliable tests and do not collect personal data;
Safe - testing is performed by trained medical technicians with prescribed protection measures;
Efficient - everyone comes in their own time. There is no rush, no waiting, and the result is ready in 15 to 20 minutes;
Less stressful - we work in a pleasant environment, where we respect the circumstances, lifestyle and sexual practices of our users.
Who are the counselors at Potent?
These are doctors, psychologists and other counselors, who have undergone training to provide voluntary and confidential counseling and testing services (VCT) at the Institute for Public Health of Serbia and are continuously educated in the field of sexual and reproductive health protection.
What other free services does Potent offer me?
In addition to counseling and testing for HIV, at Potent you can perform tests for syphilis and hepatitis C, get condoms and lubricants, medical consultations for the issuance of PrEP, and psychological counseling. We try to, in accordance with the possibilities and capacities, constantly introduce new services.
What if I have a problem with other sexually transmitted infections?
For everything that we cannot diagnose at Potent, we will refer you to the appropriate institution. The same applies to vaccination or treatment of sexually transmitted infections.
Why is testing at Potent special?
Because Potent is run by people who share the same risks and concerns as you, and that’s why we can best understand you and provide support to preserve your sexual and reproductive health.
What if I get a positive test result in Potent?
If that happens, our advisor will support you and do everything in their power to get you through that moment as easily as possible. You may have questions, concerns and dilemmas, so we will refer you to our advisor who is in close contact with the doctors at the infectious disease clinic. He can schedule a confirmatory test for you and be with you during your first visit to the doctor.
Who supports the association?
The services we provide support:
- The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia,
- The Global Fund to Fight HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria,
- Foundations and socially responsible companies,
- Small donors.
Potent testing is done in cooperation with:
- Institute for Public Health of Serbia,
- Municipal institutes for public health,
- Infectious diseases clinics,
- Beo-lab laboratory,
- Institute for Skin and Venereal Diseases,
- Clinics for skin and venereal diseases.
Published with support of
