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Taking
the Test
Testing 101: The Basics
--Adapted from The Deal
Why?
Knowing your HIV status gives you power. If you learn that
you’re HIV-positive, there are treatments you can take.
The earlier it’s caught, the better chance you have to
effectively manage the virus. If you’re negative, finding
out can be a relief and the counselor who gives you the test
will teach you how to stay HIV negative.
When?
Many doctors recommend that people who are sexually active
be tested every six to twelve months. HIV can be present in
your blood, but may not show up immediately in an HIV test.
To be sure you’re negative, you must practice safe sex
and get another test six months after your initial test.
How?
There are a number of options for testing and they’re
all equally accurate at detecting HIV antibodies in your system
(these tests do not detect the virus itself):
•
Blood test:
The traditional test – a blood sample is taken from your
arm using a needle.
•
Oral test:
A painless test – called OraSure – that doesn’t
involve needles or blood. A swab is put between the cheek
and gum for two minutes to test for HIV antibodies.
•
Urine test:
A painless test – called Calypte – tests for HIV
antibodies in a urine sample.
Results for all these options normally take three to seven
days. Soon a test that provides results within an hour (called
a rapid test) will be available.
What do results mean?
If you’re HIV-negative, that means you don’t have
HIV, but you may have to take another test in six months to
be sure. If you’re HIV-positive, that means you have
HIV (not necessarily AIDS, but the virus that causes AIDS).
For more information about testing
and information on where you can go to get tested, see the
resources listed on the HIV
Counseling, Testing and Care page of this site.
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FAQs
about the HIV test | Your “Testing Bill
of Rights”
Facing Facts Post-Testing: Where to Go from Here
FAQs
about the HIV test
Why
should I get tested?
Young people who are having sex are at a greater risk of getting
HIV than they think. In the US, two young people every hour
contract HIV. It is estimated that 100,000 American youth
have HIV and most don’t even know it. If your test reveals
that you do have HIV, you can begin treatment that can prolong
your life and greatly improve your long-term health. If your
test shows that you are HIV negative, you will learn ways
to stay negative from your testing counselor. Either way,
you win by taking the test!
What is the test like? Does it hurt?
There are painless oral fluid
and urine antibody tests that are considered as accurate as
those that use blood. These oral or urine tests involve no
needles. Instead, fluid is collected from your mouth by rubbing
a sponge-like swab around your gums or a urine sample is given.
But even the blood tests are relatively painless, and use
less than a teaspoon of blood.
How long does it take to have the test and
to get the results back?
Generally it takes about half an hour to speak with a
testing counselor and take an HIV test. It takes about a week
to get the results of your test. In 2002, the federal government
may approve a new “rapid test” that allows you to
get the results the same day you take the test.
Can
I get AIDS from taking the test?
There is absolutely no danger of you getting HIV from taking
an HIV test.
How much does the test cost?
Many of the programs that participate in the “HIV.
Live with it. Get Tested!” campaign offer free or low
cost HIV testing to youth. Many other organizations across
the country offer free testing year round so call the programs
located on this web site or in your yellow pages to find out
if there is a charge for the test. Generally, you should be
able to find a place where testing is free or low cost for
youth.
If
I’m under 18, do I have to have my parents’
permission to take the test?
Minors can take the HIV test on their own, without their
parent’s permission in almost every state. Check with
your doctor or health department to make sure.
What’s
the difference between “confidential”
and “anonymous” testing?
With confidential testing, only you and your doctor know
the results. However, some states require doctors to report
positive results to the health department so they can keep
track of how the epidemic is spreading. Sometimes this is
done with names, sometimes with coded numbers. With anonymous
testing, you don’t have to give your name and you’re
assigned a number for collecting your results. But if you
don’t come back, there will be no way to contact you.
You can ask for anonymous testing, but it isn’t available
in every state.
Still
have a question?
Drop us a line and we’ll try to answer it for you.
adolaids@aol.com
Your
“Testing Bill of Rights”
It’s normal to be nervous when
going for an HIV test. You’re finding out if you have
a serious illness and you’re talking about sex to someone
older than you, who you probably don’t know. But HIV
testing counselors can help because they know a lot about
sexual health. And besides, they’ve heard it all before!
When making an appointment with a testing site, ask if they
regularly treat teens to be sure the services are youth-friendly.
And remember, you have the right to:
- Be treated respectfully and professionally.
- Learn your status confidentially.
- Get a clear explanation of any tests, results, diagnosis
or medications prescribed.
- Ask the doctor to write things down, since you may be getting
a lot of information at once.
- Ask questions about anything that’s on your mind, either
during your visit or afterwards.
It’s important to be totally honest and accurate when
filling out forms and speaking with health professionals about
your health, including all possible risks of exposure to HIV.
It may seem like prying, but no one is judging you. They need
honest information to give you good advice. So be open–
you’ll be glad you were.
• Confidential testing – Only you and your
doctor know the results. However, some states require doctors
to report positive results to the health department so they
can keep track of how the epidemic is spreading. Sometimes
this is done with names, sometimes with coded numbers.
•
Anonymous testing – You don’t have to give your
name and you’re assigned a number for collecting your
results. But if you don’t come back, there will be no
way to contact you. You can ask for anonymous testing, but
it isn’t available in every state.
•
Call the CDC National AIDS Hotline [1-800-342-AIDS, 1-800-344-7432
(Spanish), or 1-800-243-7889 (TTY)] or visit your local doctor
or clinic to find out the rules about confidential and anonymous
testing in your state.
Facing
Facts Post-Testing: Where to Go from Here
For some people, a negative HIV test
result is a wake-up call and a chance to get things right…
“I was totally relieved and happy. I got tested because
my boyfriend and I had slipped up. Then I had to go back six
months later for a second test to be sure. I’m not going
through that stress again. I’ll always use condoms now.”
--
Nicole, Houston
For
others, life goes on, but is changed forever…
“It
was scary when the counselor at the clinic told me, but she
was really helpful and supportive. After I got over the shock,
I started on treatment – 14 pills a day. I also figured
out who to tell and how. At first, I was afraid my family
and friends would treat me differently and that my boyfriend
wouldn’t ever want me again. It wasn’t easy, but
the important thing for me is that I am LIVING with HIV.”
--
Samiya, Boston
Whether your HIV test results are positive or negative, the
important thing to remember is that you’re not alone.
You can get the help you need through support groups and individual
counseling. Your testing and treatment site can refer you
to a counselor if you need one. Additional
resources can be found on the Info Matrix page of this site.
Why it might be helpful to tell someone you’re HIV-positive:
• It may help you get support in dealing with your diagnosis
• They’re important to you and you tell them everything
that happens in your life (a parent, brother, sister, partner,
best friend or teacher)
•
You think it may be a good idea for them to know your medical
needs (a doctor or nurse at the emergency room, or someone
who might help you in an accident)
• They’re a former or current sexual partner, or
someone you want to be with in the future
• Your HIV status is nothing to be ashamed of
Why it might be hard to tell someone you’re HIV-positive:
•
You expect them to react in a negative or hostile way
•
You don’t trust them to keep the information confidential
•
You feel you need time to think things through or tell other
people first
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