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Girls' VersionHIV Testing
Should I get tested?
Anyone who is sexually active should get an HIV test just like a routine physical. Getting tested and knowing your status is the only way to make sure that you don't have HIV. Deciding to get tested can be hard, so if you do go through with it, make sure to give yourself credit.
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, most testing centers offer “pre-test counseling.” During this time, you would receive important information about HIV, risk factors, and the different types of tests. Counseling also gives you some time to talk about any concerns or worries about getting tested. The counselor will then give you the option of getting tested.
The second part is getting tested. There are three main tests:
- Standard blood test - (EIA or ELISA Tests) This type of blood test takes about 2 weeks to get the results. Blood is drawn once from the arm.
- Western Blot - If the Standard blood test is positive for HIV antibodies, the Western Blot test is done. If this test comes back positive, a person has HIV.
- Rapid tests (fingerstick and oral tests) - Both tests take about 20 minutes to get the results.
1. Blood test is a fingerstick; a small amount of blood is taken from the tip of the finger and mixed in a solution.
2. Oral test - a small amount of saliva from a person’s mouth is obtained using a cotton swab that looks like a toothbrush.
If either rapid test is positive, the Western Blot test is done to confirm that the person is HIV positive.
It's important to know there are 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 and it will have to be repeated.
- A reactive result is considered a preliminary positive which means that a second test needs to be done to confirm the first test.
There is another test available for home use:
- The Home Access Kit® - This test has been approved by the Food Drug Administration (FDA). You can buy it at most pharmacies without a prescription. This is also a "fingerstick" blood test. You prick your finger and place a drop of blood on a card that comes with the kit. You send the card to a lab and you can then get the results by phone in 1-3 days.
The third and last part of the testing procedure is the "post-test" session. Getting the results is the first thing that happens, but it's also important to talk about what those results mean for the future. After the test, follow-up appointments or referrals can be made.
No matter which test you choose, it's very important that you 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. Only the health care provider who orders the test or an insurance company that pay for the test can see it.
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?
Find a local testing center near you here.
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: 6/9/2011
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