Deciding to get tested for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is not an easy decision. A person can have HIV without showing any signs. There is no way to know, without testing, if a person is infected. HIV is transmitted by:
* direct contact with body fluids, usually blood, vaginal secretions, or semen,
* an HIV infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, and
* having sexual intercourse without a latex or plastic condom with an HIV positive partner.

When a person is infected with HIV, antibodies begin to form. We use these to test for HIV. Even though a person may be infected with HIV, they may not test positive for up to six months.

Two blood tests are used to check for HIV. They both must be positive before a person is said to be HIV positive. If one is positive and the other is not, both tests should be repeated in one month. Some places where you are tested offer confidential testing, and others offer anonymous testing. Confidential testing assures that your results will be guarded with care. Only those care givers who need to know are told. Positive results will be reported by name to the health department for two reasons. The first is so they can assist with partner notification and referral to care. The second is that these figures are reported to the federal government so that they can know how many people have HIV, and how much money they need to give to each state for HIV care. Anonymous testing does not use your name at all. Positive results are reported without any personal identifiers. Some people feel this better insures the civil rights of those who test HIV positive.

It is important to get pre-test counseling with the HIV test. This can help to identify those behaviors that place you at risk for HIV. If the test is negative, you can make the changes needed to stay free of HIV. If the test is positive, counseling can help with finding the medical and social services needed. Recently, home test kits have been made available. You will not receive pre-and post-test counseling when you take these tests. Make sure you know who you will turn to should your results come back positive. If the result is negative, take the time to learn how you can minimize your future risk for HIV.

Those who test positive face many hard choices. Who do they tell? What can they do to stay healthy? How can they best protect their loved ones? Local AIDS support organizations can offer answers and support. Learning if you are positive will help you protect yourself and your loved ones. To learn more, call Project Inform (800) 822-7422, or the National AIDS Hotline at (800) 342-AIDS. Spanish speakers can call (800) 342-7432.

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