STD / HIV Testing
Some people want to know whether or not they have HIV. They may want relief from the anxiety of being uncertain. Also, if they do have HIV and know it they can begin to take steps to remain healthy.
Others do not want to know. This may not be a good time in their life to find out they have HIV, so it may be simpler not to get tested.
Only you can decide if you want to take the HIV antibody test. If you are uncertain, there are counseling and testing services available to help you make that decision.
If you decide you want to get tested, it is important that you have a clear understanding of what the test is and what the results mean.
The HIV antibody test involves having a small vile of your blood taken and tested for the presence of HIV antibodies. Your body in response to an infection produces antibodies. If these antibodies are present in your blood then you are said to be HIV positive. If no antibodies are detected you are said to be HIV negative and you can be fairly certain that you are not infected with HIV.
The HIV antibody test can only detect HIV antibodies after your body has had enough time to produce a certain amount. Usually, this takes as long as 14 weeks. So, when you get tested for HIV your results are considered accurate up to 14 weeks prior to the test. This means that in order to find out if you got HIV from a particular instance of unprotected sex or sharing needles, you need to wait 14 weeks after the incident before you get tested.
An HIV negative test result means you do not have HIV. It does not mean you are immune to HIV or that you cannot get HIV in the future. You still need to use a condom when you fuck and a new or cleaned needle every time you inject.
An HIV positive test result means you have HIV. It does not mean you have AIDS or that you will ever develop AIDS. It is important that you get connected with a health care provider or doctor who has experience with HIV infection. They can monitor your health and help you to decide on what options you might want to choose for fighting HIV.
You can get an HIV test from your doctor. This means that it is possible for someone, like an insurance company, to trace the fact that you have had the HIV antibody test and what the results of your test were.
In some parts of Ontario, you can get an HIV test done anonymously at a clinic, which has special permission to test for HIV in this way. An anonymous test means that there is no record of you having had the test. You do not require a health card and do not have to present any identification in order to get the HIV test in this way. Only you will know your test result or even the fact that you got tested. If you want an anonymous test you simply make an appointment by phone at a clinic, which has anonymous HIV antibody testing.
You should receive pre and post-test counseling. In your pre-test counseling you will be asked about your sexual and needle use activities to help determine if you are at risk for HIV and if you understand how to protect yourself. It will also be explained to you what exactly the test means, and you will have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about HIV or the HIV antibody test.
In post-test counseling you will be given your results. If they are negative you should confirm that you understand how to protect yourself from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Testing HIV negative does not mean you cannot get HIV in the future, or that there are no risks to the kind of sex you are engaging in. Make sure you have the facts about HIV transmission.
If your results are positive the testing counselor can inform you of the many options available to you in managing your health. It is normal to be upset and to experience a wide range of emotions. There are services available to support you in understanding what an HIV positive test result means for you.
Copyright Pink Triangle Press, 1999 |
