Deciding to get tested for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is not an easy decision. However, a person can have HIV without showing any signs. There is no way to know, without testing, if a person is infected.
As soon as a person is infected with HIV, antibodies against the virus begin to form. The presence of these antibodies is used as a test for HIV. Even though a person may be infected with HIV, he or she may not test positive for up to 3 - 6 months. Two blood tests are used to check for HIV. They both must be positive before a person is said to be HIV-positive. If one is positive and the other is not, both tests should be repeated in one month. Testing for HIV is confidential, and all centres offer anonymous testing.
Confidential testing assures that your results will be guarded with care. Positive results will be reported using initials, sex and birth date to the Health Department to record data on the spread and incidence of HIV in the community. HIV and AIDS are public health issues as vast amounts of money and resources need to be allocated to treat and control the disease and its spread.
Anonymous testing does not use your name at all. Positive results are reported without any personal identifiers. Some people feel this better insures the civil rights of those who test HIV positive.
It is important to get pre-test counselling with the HIV test. This can help to identify those behaviours that place a person at risk for HIV. If the test is negative, one can make the changes needed to stay free of HIV. If the test is positive, counselling can help with finding the medical and social services needed.
If you have a test and the result is negative, take the time to learn how you can minimise your future risk of HIV.
Article #4619
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