HIV Testing
Información
en Español: la prueba del VIH
If you feel you may be at risk for HIV,
it is important to get tested. This article tells
you
what to expect at an HIV test.
Deciding to get tested for HIV, the virus that causes
AIDS, is a big decision. Making the choice to get
tested can be difficult. Hopefully this information
will help you make that decision.
Why Should You Get Tested?
There are lots of reasons that people
get tested for HIV. Maybe you're sexually active and have engaged in behaviors
that put you are risk of HIV infection.
Maybe you're starting a new relationship and have decided to get tested together.
Whatever the case, here are some of the reasons why you should consider getting
tested for HIV. If you:
- had sexual intercourse
(vaginal, oral, or anal) without a condom
- learned that a partner
was not monogamous
- have been sexually assaulted
- had a condom break
- shared needles or syringes
to inject drugs (including steroids) or for body piercing,
tattooing, or any other reason
- had multiple sexual partners
- found out that a partner
has shared needles
- learned that a past or
current partner is HIV-positive
- discovered that a partner
has been exposed to HIV
- had a recent diagnosis
of another sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- are pregnant.
How Does HIV Testing Work?
HIV tests can tell if
you have been infected with HIV. When HIV infection occurs, the body
develops antibodies to the virus. The HIV test checks to see if your
body is making these antibodies. It doesn't test for AIDS.
There are three different ways to be tested for HIV. A blood sample can be
taken from your arm, fluids can be taken from cells in the mouth, or a urine
sample may be used instead. Then the sample is tested for HIV antibodies. If
HIV antibodies are found, the sample is tested again. Then a different test
is used to confirm the results. Depending on the type of test you take, it could take anywhere from 20 minutes (Orasure or Oraquick tests) to a few weeks (the urine test) to get your result.
A positive test result
means that your body is making HIV antibodies. If the test finds antibodies,
that means you are infected with HIV. It doesn't mean you have AIDS or will
get sick soon.
A negative test result
means no HIV antibodies were found in your body. But, you could still be infected
if you have been exposed to HIV in the last six months. Your body may not have
made enough HIV antibodies to show up yet. You should get tested again in
a three months.
If You Test Positive …
- Find a doctor who has experience
with HIV treatment. The earlier you begin treatment,
the more likely the virus will move slowly, so you
can stay healthy longer. Many HIV positive people live
for many years without developing AIDS - but the odds
are better the earlier you start treatment.
- Get counseling. Counseling
can help you and your loved ones learn to live with
HIV.
- Notify current and past
sexual partners that you are infected with HIV and
that they may be infected with HIV.
- Practice abstinence. It's
the only sure way to avoid getting another strain of
HIV or spreading it to others.
- Practice safer sex. Use
a latex condom during each act of vaginal, oral, or
anal intercourse.
- Contact an HIV/AIDS service
organization in your area or your state or local health
department to find available resources.
If You Test Negative …
- Practice abstinence. It's
the only sure way to avoid getting HIV.
- Practice safer sex. Use
a latex condom during each act of vaginal, oral, or
anal intercourse.
- Don't share needles or
syringes to inject drugs or for any other reason.
Remember, if you had unprotected sex
or any other risky behavior that can transmit HIV in
the last six months prior to getting tested, you will need
to get a follow-up
test in six months to be sure you are not infected.
Anonymous
vs. Confidential Testing
In most states, you can find testing
sites that offer anonymous or confidential HIV testing.
Anonymous testing is available in some places and through HIV home testing
kits. Anonymous testing uses code numbers or names to identify your test.
Your name is never used. You use the code to get your results. You are the
only
person who knows your results. With anonymous testing, you get to decide
who to tell and when.
With confidential testing, your name is used. Therefore, your name and other
identifying information is attached to your test results, but kept private.
However, health care providers, your insurance company, and, in some states,
the health department will have access to your test results.
Some people prefer to get tested for HIV without having it listed in their
medical record or insurance file. Be sure to find out who will have access
to your test results before you get tested. Some testing sites offer the
test for free, while others charge a fee for the test. Ask before you get
tested.
Where to Go to Get Tested
Depending on where you live,
you can get tested at any of several places. Testing may be offered
at your local:
- STI clinic.
- family planning clinic.
- community health center.
- doctor's office.
- hospital.
Or ask your health care provider or
health department.
It is important to get tested at a place that also offers counseling about
HIV and AIDS. Counselors can answer questions you may have about risky behaviors
and ways to protect yourself and others in the future. In addition, counselors
can help you understand the meaning of test results and tell you about HIV/AIDS
resources in your area.
Resources & Additional Information
To find a testing site
near you, call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National STD
and AIDS Hotlines. This is a 24-hour, confidential hotline.
- 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) English
- 1-888-232-6348 TTY
The National
HIV Testing Resources provides information on counseling and
testing, and resources for people who test positive.
MORE INFORMATION >>
HIV Infection: Get the Facts :: HIV
Transmission :: HIV Testing :: Safer
Sex & HIV Prevention :: HIV
Hotlines
Updated March 2008
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