Get Tested for HIV

Should I get tested?

We believe getting tested for HIV should be a routine part of our check-up. We believe that knowing your status plays a big part in being responsible. We also believe that HIV testing allows us to act, think and play responsibly. As one of our anchor slogans, we want to make sure that those who visit our site understand and are ready to take the test to determine their HIV status.

Knowing about procedures, confidentiality issues, and local testing sites can help you make the best decision about your personal health. The decision to get tested for HIV can be emotionally complicated. If you are considering getting tested, it is important that you understand what the test consists of and exactly what the results mean. You should also know where to get tested, and speak with a trained and qualified counselor before doing so.

One common misconception is the HIV test determines whether or not a person has AIDS. When someone gets tested for HIV, he or she is not being tested for the AIDS virus at all, but instead for the presence of antibodies to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Since the test detects these antibodies, which are produced by the immune system to fight HIV, the test is called the HIV antibody test, instead of the AIDS test. A positive HIV result is not a diagnosis of AIDS. It does indicate the presence of an HIV infection, and that the infected person should seek medical evaluation and treatment immediately. Early treatment can help ensure a better and prolonged health. Only a doctor can diagnose someone with AIDS. Back to Top

What is involved in testing?

There are a variety of ways to get the HIV test: cotton swab, blood draw or a prick in finger. For the blood test, only a very small amount of blood is required for HIV antibody testing. For accurate results, two different tests are used. The first test, whether it be by a swab in the mouth or blood, the test is screening for the antibodies, and is called the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test. Positive ELISA test results will have to be confirmed by either the IFA (immunoflourescent assay) or Western Blot tests. If you elect to get tested, make sure you know what testing procedures the organization and/or clinic uses so you are informed and understand the test to be taken. Back to Top

What do the results mean?

Review the results and implications of your test with a medical practitioner or counselor. Regardless of your test results, you should always practice safe sex or abstain from sex, and should not share intravenous needles for any reason.

Negative. A negative test result means that there were no HIV antibodies detected at the testing time, and that either (a) you do not have an HIV infection, or (b) you do have an HIV infection, but have not yet developed antibodies to it. This usually happens if someone is tested less than 6 months after his or her exposure to HIV, because it often takes at least 6 months for the body to react and produce the antibodies. At risk persons should be tested at least every 6 months, or as recommended by their doctor. A negative test never means that you cannot become infected in the future, or that you are immune to HIV or AIDS.

Positive. A positive test result means that HIV antibodies were detected. A confirmed test means that you have been infected with HIV and will most likely remain infected. You need to remain aware that you can infect other people with HIV through (1) vaginal, anal or oral sex, (2) sharing intravenous needles, or (3) transfusion, transplantation or artificial insemination. The virus can also be given to a baby before or at birth, as well as through breastfeeding.

If your test is positive, it is extremely important that you seek an experienced and knowledgeable health care provider for medical evaluation and early treatment. If you are unsure who to contact, a local community based organization can provide you with a recommendation. Back to Top

Where do I go to get tested?

Many places provide testing for HIV infection. Common testing locations include local health departments, community based organizations, clinics, offices of private doctors, hospitals, and other sites set up specifically to provide HIV testing. For information on where to find an HIV testing site, visit the National HIV Testing Resources Web site at http://www.hivtest.org or call CDC-INFO 24 Hours/Day at1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636), 1-888-232-6348 (TTY), in English, en Español.

Between the time of a possible exposure and the receipt of test results, we strongly advise an individual to consider abstaining from sexual contact with others or use condoms and/or dental dams during all sexual encounters.

It is important to seek testing at a place that also provides counseling about HIV prevention and AIDS. Counselors can answer any questions you might have about risky behaviors and ways you can protect yourself and others in the future. In addition, they can help you understand the meaning of the test results and describe what HIV/AIDS-related resources are available in the local area. Back to Top