HIV Testing
Below are answers to questions about HIV testing.
What will happen when I go to get tested?
What are the different kinds of HIV tests?
Should I get tested?
The new guidelines recommend that every person who is sexually active should get an HIV test once a year, like a routine physical. Getting tested is the only way to make sure that you don't have HIV.
The number of new infections in young people is growing. This makes it very important that everybody who is sexually active gets tested. Nobody is required to take a test. Many people will talk to a counselor, receive the important health information and choose not to test. That is ok. The decision to take the test is difficult so you should be congratulated in deciding to do it.
What will happen when I go to get tested?
There are many places to get HIV tests but most of them follow a similar routine when testing patients. First, there is a period known as the “pre-test counseling.” During this time, the person receives some important information about HIV, risk factors for HIV, and the different types of tests. It also provides the patient with some time to talk about any concerns or worries about getting tested, if he/she chooses. The counselor will then give the option of taking a test or not.
The second part is doing the test.
The third and last piece of the testing procedure is the “post-test” session. This is when the person gets the results of their test. It is also important to talk about what those results mean for the future. After the test, follow-up appointments or referrals can be made.
What are the different kinds of HIV tests?
There are three main tests that a person can choose to take.
 |
A blood draw test involves taking some blood and sending it to a lab for testing. Results come back in about two weeks. | |
|
An oral swab test puts a cotton swab – that looks like a toothbrush – in the person’s mouth for 3 minutes. This is also sent to a lab and results come back in two weeks. | |
|
A rapid test takes a drop of blood from a finger-stick. This drop of blood is then mixed in a solution. The test is placed in the solution and will get results in 20 minutes. | |
| — | It is important to know the three types of results that can come from a rapid test: non-reactive, invalid, and reactive. A non-reactive result means that no HIV antibodies were found. An invalid result means that the test did not work properly. A reactive result is considered a preliminary positive which means that a second test needs to be done to confirm the first test. | |
No matter which test a person chooses to do IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ALWAYS GET YOUR RESULTS.
Confidential vs. Anonymous?
Some testing sites will offer the option between confidential and anonymous. A confidential test uses your name and some other identifying information. All that information is locked but a doctor can see it if they order the test. An insurance company can see it if they pay for the test.
Anonymous testing does not use your name. It uses code names or numbers in order to identify your test and results.
Different sites and states have different rules. Find out if the test is free and who will be able to see the results before you go to get tested.
Where Can I Get Tested?
To find a local testing center near you click here:
National HIV and STD Testing Resources
This website has a feature where you can type in your zip code, and get the names and addresses of testing locations near you. It's sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Updated: 2/2/2009
Related Information:
|
Looking for other health info? Check our A-to-Z Index. ©2008-2010 Young Men's Health Children's Hospital Boston. All rights reserved.
About Us Health Guides By Topic
|
Printer Friendly
Girls' Version