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The
Benefits of Getting HIV Tested
Human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the cause of acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome (AIDS). All persons infected with HIV can spread
it to others mainly through unprotected sex and needle sharing.
Infected mothers can also spread HIV to newborns.
What
The Test Tells You.
This
test detects antibodies to HIV, not the virus itself. Antibodies
are the body's reaction to the virus.
A positive
test means that a person is infected with HIV and can pass
it on to others. By itself, a positive test does not mean
that a person has AIDS, which is the most advanced stage of
HIV infection.
A negative
test means that antibodies to HIV were not detected. This
usually means that the person is not infected with HIV. In
some cases, however, the infection may have happened too recently
for the test to turn positive. The blood test reacts positively
within 1 month after infection and in almost all cases within
3 months, but in some 6 months. Therefore, if you were infected
very recently, a negative test result could be wrong.
False
results (a negative test in someone who is infected, or a
positive test in someone who is not infected) are rare. Indeterminate
results (when it is unclear whether the test is positive or
negative) also are not common. When a test result does not
seem to make sense, the test is repeated or special confirmatory
tests may help to determine whether a person is or is not
infected.
Benefits
of Being Tested.
There
are huge benefits to being tested. Most infected people can
benefit from medications that delay or prevent AIDS and other
serious infections. Test results also can help people make
choices about contraception or pregnancy. Therefore, all infected
persons should have a complete medical checkup, including
tests of the immune system, to help their health care providers
recommend the best health care.
There
are other reasons to be tested. Even though everyone should
follow safer sex guidelines whether or not they are infected
with HIV, many persons find that knowing their test results
helps them to protect their partners and themselves. Some
persons want to know their test results before beginning a
new sexual relationship or becoming pregnant. Others will
be reassured by learning that they are not infected.
Risks
and Disadvantages of Being Tested.
Many people
with positive or indeterminate test results will experience
stress, anxiety, or depression. Some people with negative
tests may continue or increase unsafe behaviors, which would
increase the risk of HIV infection. Some people are afraid
that their test results will get into the wrong hands, and
that discrimination might result. (See Privacy and Confidentiality,
below.) For these reasons, you should consider your social
supports (such as family and friends) and your insurance needs
before you are tested.
Privacy
and Confidentiality
Many doctors
keep a record of the health care services they provide to
you. You may ask them to see and copy that record. You may
also ask them to correct that record. They can NOT disclose
your record to others unless you give them written consent
to do so or unless law authorizes compels them to do so.
In the
United States, some State's law requires that laboratories
and (health care providers) report to the local health department
the name of anyone infected with HIV. However, the report
is coded and the name is destroyed after 90 days. No lists
of names are maintained. Penalties for violations of the confidentiality
laws are severe.
Anonymous
HIV testing is available. If you do choose to test anonymously,
your record will contain only your personal ID code. It will
not show your name. To assure that results are provided only
to the person who tested, you must confirm your identity with
your personal ID code when you return or call for your test
results. This is how most labs today do their testing.
Other
Important Information:
In some
instances, your test results will be available by telephone.
However, if your result is positive, you should return in
person to see a counselor. Most health care providers will
only give results, either negative or positive in person for
confidential reasons and to make sure you know what to do
to stay HIV negative or who to see about starting treatment.
If your
test is positive and you do not call or return to learn the
result, your doctor will try to contact you to tell you the
result and provide you with appropriate counseling. If your
HIV test is positive, persons with whom you have had sex or
have shared needles must be informed that they may be infected
and that they should be tested for HIV. If you are unable
to inform your partner(s) or do not wish to do so, your doctor
can do it for you without disclosing your identity.
Your blood
test results, as well as information about you that your doctor
collects at the time of testing, may be used for research
purposes. If you agree, your doctor will store a sample of
your blood for possible future use in research (such as evaluating
new tests) or to check the quality of our HIV testing methods.
Even if your name is in your record, your identity will not
be known to the person or persons analyzing the data or preparing
materials for publication or public discussion.
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