HIV Counseling & Testing

1 800-637-5466
1 888-442-7448
locations

What is the HIV Test?

The HIV Test can be either a blood test or an oral test. It looks for HIV antibodies, which your body produces in the presence of HIV virus. The test is easy and confidential.

How quickly you get results depends on what type of test you have done; this can range from 20 minutes to one or two weeks. The following are the types of test we offer:

Standard blood test: This was the first HIV antibody test developed and made available, and is the most widely used. With this test, an initial assay is used (the ELISA) and confirmed using a more specific test (the Western Blot). This is offered at all our clinics.

 

Oral mucosal transudate test: This test, an alternative to the standard blood test, uses a specially treated pad placed in a person’s mouth and gently rubbed between the lower cheek and gum. The pad collects an oral fluid called oral mucosal transudate (OMT). This fluid contains HIV antibodies in an HIV- infected person. This test does not test for HIV in saliva.
 

Rapid HIV antibody tests: Where the standard HIV antibody testing procedure requires up to two weeks for results, the rapid test gives results in 20 minutes. For rapid blood testing the fingertip is cleaned with alcohol and pricked with a lancet to get a small drop of blood. The blood is collected with a specimen loop and transferred to a vial, where it is mixed with a developing solution. In as little as 20 minutes, the test device will indicate if HIV antibodies are present in the solution.

Although the results of rapid screenings will be reported in our clinics, as with all screening tests for HIV, if the test gives a reactive test result, that result must be confirmed with an additional specific test. The results of a rapid test will read as followed: non-reactive (HIV antibodies were not detected in the specimen), reactive (HIV antibodies have been detected in the specimen) and invalid (test has to be repeated). All reactive results have to be confirmed with blood specimen.



The standard HIV test will tell you if you are HIV negative or HIV positive.

HIV negative = No HIV antibodies are found at the time of test (person doesn’t have HIV).

HIV positive = HIV antibodies are found (A person has HIV). It also means that a person can transmit HIV to others.

It can take up to 6 weeks for your body to produce enough antibodies to be detected by the test. So a test today will tell you what your HIV status was 6 weeks ago. The test does not protect you from getting HIV in the future.
Getting tested for HIV can be scary, but you don’t need to go through this alone. Our counselors will be there to support you through the process, give you information you need to reduce your risk factors and provide referrals you may need.

R  CHECK YOUR RISK

At some point you may have put yourself at risk for HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STI) or Hepatitis.
Have you had hepatitis or a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, genital warts or syphilis?

£  Have you ever injected drugs?

£  Do you have unsafe sex? (sex without condom)

£  Has your partner been told he/she has HIV, an STI or hepatitis?

£  Does your partner inject drugs or have unsafe sex?

 

Pregnancy and HIV

£ Are you pregnant or do you want to get pregnant? It is important that you test for HIV
.
Treatment can reduce the chances of passing HIV to your baby down to 1-2%. Treatment at any point during your pregnancy gives you a better chance of having a healthy baby.

GET TESTED

If you checked R  “yes” to any of these questions, you may be at risk for HIV. If you have taken the risk, take the test. Knowing your status and the status of your partner can help you make decisions about ways to reduce your risk.

GET CARE

GET SUPPORT
 

HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus

causes

AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

HIV is found in the blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk of someone infected with HIV.

Why should I get tested for HIV?

• Once you know your status, you can take control of your health. There are health care options, treatments, and ways to stay healthy with and without HIV.
   
• If you are HIV positive, you can prevent passing it on to others.
  If you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, there are treatments available to help prevent your baby from getting HIV.

ONLY YOU can receive your HIV test results.

Ways to Reduce Your Risk

Here are some options that can help reduce your risk for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, and hepatitis. Some may be more effective than others, but even one will help reduce your risk.

Sexual and Injection Drug Use Risk Reduction:

• Know your HIV status
• Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B
• Get tested and treated for STI’s
• Know your partner’s HIV status
• Use a female or male condom while having anal or vaginal sex
• Don’t share your needles or works (cotton, cooker, rinse water, clean with bleach, or liquids)
• Use a needle exchange program