hiv testbenefits

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.

(Source: CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).


Resources on the Web:

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) National AIDS Hotline (toll-free, Eastern time):

  • English service: 1-800-342-2437 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day)
  • Spanish service: 1-800-344-7432 (daily 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.)
  • TDD service for the deaf: 1-800-243-7889 (10 a.m. to 10 p.m., M-F) August 2004

 

Amy - Teen's Health Expert

By Amy - Teen's Health Expert

Discover the dedicated author behind Teen Health Secrets, an experienced expert committed to providing in-depth knowledge and guidance on various aspects of teen health, ensuring young individuals lead healthy, informed lives.