What you need to know about HIV Testing
A Lutheran AIDS Network board member and HIV case manager share ten questions that are commonly asked, or should be asked, about HIV testing.
1. Who should get tested for HIV?
There is no standard answer to this question. Since it is best to definitively know your status, it is a good idea for everyone to get tested. However, the following behaviors would put you at higher risk of acquiring HIV:
• If you have injected drugs or steroids or shared equipment (such as needles or syringes) with others
• If you have exchanged sex for drugs or money
• If you have been diagnosed or treated for hepatitis, tuberculosis, or sexually transmitted infections (STI)
• If you have had unprotected sex, multiple partners, or anonymous partners
2. How often should I get tested?
In September 2006, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), recommended that everyone get screened for HIV annually as part of a general medical visit, regardless of their behavior risks. Individuals who engage in high risk activities such as unprotected sex, sharing needles, etc. should get test more often.
3. I heard that you can get your HIV test results on the same day that it is administered. Is that true?
Yes, there is test called Rapid Test which uses a small sample of cells from the inside of your cheek or a blood sample from your finger. The results are often ready in as little as 20 minutes. Traditional testing takes up two weeks for results to be given.
4. How does the HIV antibody test work?
An antibody test is commonly used to diagnose HIV in people. Antibodies are the body’s response to an infection. Therefore, if a person has antibodies for HIV, it means they have been infected and carry the disease.
5. If I test negative, does that mean my partner is negative also?
No, your HIV test result reveals your HIV status only. Your negative result does not mean that your partner is negative. You should encourage him/her to get tested as well.
6. What do I do if I test positive?
All positive results must be confirmed by another test (Western Blot). Confirmation can take up to two weeks. In the mean time, most testing centers or medical practices have trained professionals who can help link you with resources in the community (support groups, counseling, medical care, etc.) that will be able to help you with the next steps.
7. What is the difference between anonymous and confidential testing?
• For anonymous testing, no name or identifying information is used during the testing session. You are given a number, pseudonym, or some other identifier to link you to the results.
• Confidential testing means that your name and other identifying information will be required for the test. However, by law, the results will be kept confidential and will only be released to you.
8. What is the testing procedure at the doctor’s office or testing site?
Before getting tested, you will have the opportunity to speak with a trained professional who will be able to answer your questions about HIV and the test in general. The counselor and testers may ask you questions to gauge what risk factors you may have for acquiring HIV. After the paperwork and consent forms are signed, they may take a vial of blood, drop of blood, or swab in your mouth, depending on the test you are being given. Rapid results will be given the day of your visit whereas conventional testing results can take up to two weeks.
9. What does a “window period” mean?
A window period is the time when a person is actually infected with HIV and when antibodies to HIV can be detected on the test. This period is usually three months. This means that if you test negative today that any encounters you have had in the last three months do not count toward this test.
10. Where can I get tested?
There are many testing sites all over the U.S. and worldwide. Below is a link to the National Testing Day on June 27th. You may contact your primary care provider or local health department for additional resources.
Author: Andrew Slifko, BS, BSN, RN, is a board member of the Lutheran AIDS Network. He has worked as an HIV peer educator, HIV Case Manager, and HIV Clinic Manager in Center City Philadelphia.
See also:
National HIV Testing Day
http://www.hivtest.org/press_files/whatis.cfm