You cannot tell by looking at someone whether he or she has HIV infection. Someone can look and feel perfectly healthy and still be infected. Many people who have HIV infection do not know it. Of the estimated 900,000 persons infected in the U.S., approximately one-third have yet to be diagnosed. The HIV-antibody test is the only way to tell whether you are infected.

There are many benefits to early detection of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Medicines available today and the earlier use of antiretroviral therapy allow many people exposed to HIV to live longer, healthier lives. The HIV-antibody test should always include a before-test and an after-test counseling. This counseling is to help you understand your result, how to protect your own health and, if infected how to keep you from infecting others.

Should I Seek HIV Counseling And Testing?

If you have engaged in behavior that can transmit HIV, it's very important that you consider counseling and testing. The following are high-risk behaviors for HIV:

Getting Tested

It's very important that you understand the confidentiality policies of a testing center. Depending on the area where you live, there are different counseling and testing places from which you can choose. Ask your testing center how they will protect your test results. Most counseling and testing centers follow one of two policies:

Confidential Testing: The confidential testing site records your name with the test result. They will keep your record secret from everybody except medical personnel or, in some states, the state health department. You should ask who will know the result and how it will be stored. If you have your HIV antibody test done confidentially you can sign a release form to have your test result sent to your doctor.

Anonymous testing: No one asks your name. You are the only one who can tell anyone else your test result. At some centers, such as doctors' offices or clinics, information about your test result may become part of your medical record and may be seen by healthcare workers, insurers or employers. Your insurance company may know your status if you make a claim for health insurance benefits or apply for life insurance or disability insurance.

Informed Consent

You have the right to refuse any medical procedure, to be fully informed about it and to agree to it. You should be asked to read a statement saying that you have been informed about the HIV-antibody testing procedure, you understand it and you consent to have it done.

The Blood Test

A small amount of blood will be drawn from your arm, taken to a lab and tested. The time it takes to get results back varies in different areas. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Negative Result

A negative result means that no HIV antibodies were found in your blood. Your condition is called seronegative. This usually means you're not infected at the time of testing. Testing negative doesn't mean you're immune to HIV. There's a small chance that you may be infected, even though you tested negative. It takes time for the body to develop HIV antibodies after infection. Almost all people develop HIV antibodies within three months, but it can take up to six months after infection for some. If you engaged in behavior that can transmit the virus during the six months just before your test, you may be infected but still test negative because your body may not yet have produced antibodies. To be sure, you must be re-tested at least six months after you last engaged in behavior that can transmit HIV.

Indeterminate Result

Once in a while, test results are unclear. The lab can't tell whether the results are positive or negative, even if the test has been performed correctly. If this happens to you, it's important that you discuss this with your counselor or doctor, and, if appropriate, be tested again. HIV-antibody test results are extremely accurate when proper procedures are followed. However, a very small number of people may test positive even though they are not infected. These are called false positive results. If you do test positive, you should discuss with your counselor or doctor whether re-testing a new blood sample is appropriate.

Positive Result

A positive result means antibodies to HIV were found in your blood. This means you have been exposed to the HIV infection. Your condition is called HIV-positive, or seropositive. You will most likely develop AIDS, but no one can know when you will get sick. Within ten years after infection, about half of untreated people have developed AIDS. However, prompt medical care may delay the onset of AIDS and prevent some life-threatening conditions. If your test result is positive, there are a number of important steps you should take immediately to protect your health.

See a doctor that has experience-treating people with HIV and is familiar with AIDS and HIV-related issues. Tell the doctor your test result and discuss immune system monitoring and treatment. Monitoring and appropriate medical action are the ways to slow the growth of HIV and to delay the onset of AIDS.

All of your present and past partners should be referred for counseling and testing. You have an important role to play in helping stop the spread of HIV. Telling people about your test result can be a very sensitive matter. You may want to discuss it with your testing counselor. They can assist you in telling your sex or drug-using partners. If you choose to tell your partners yourself, don't make accusations. Be prepared for partners to become upset or hostile. Urge them to be counseled and tested as soon as possible.

Will My Insurer Find Out If I Test Positive?

Your insurer will know you took the test if you pay for the test through insurance. Insurers can find out your test result only if you release it. On some insurance forms, your signature authorizes release of medical records. If you are concerned, don't sign medical release forms unless you know their purpose. You may also choose to be counseled and tested at a facility separate from your health care provider. These facilities include publicly funded testing sites, sexually transmitted disease clinics and family planning clinics. Call your health department or the CDC National AIDS Hotline (1-800-342-AIDS) to find out the nearest facility that offers confidential counseling and testing.

Does The Government Keep Track Of Those Who Test Positive?

The U.S. Public Health Service does not record or collect names of people who test positive for HIV. The state health departments that do collect names treat this information as highly confidential. Most states have laws against releasing confidential information without permission. Call your state or local health department to find out the laws in your state.



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