Knowledge is power! You've probably heard that saying hundreds of times. (It's a personal favorite of parents, grandparents and teachers around the world.) Well, when it comes to HIV/AIDS testing that old cliché is 100% true. If you've ever had sex with a man or a woman without a condom, or ever injected drugs (even if only once), the only way to know for sure if you are infected or not is to take the HIV test. Knowing your HIV status, whether negative or positive, empowers you to better protect your health and those you love.
People who test negative and don't have HIV can learn more about how to reduce their risk. Those individuals, who test positive for the virus, will have access to life-saving treatment and will learn how they can stem the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Types of HIV Antibody Tests
There are several HIV antibody tests being used today. All testing options are not available in all areas. Contact the provider to find out the specific test they use.
Standard blood test: This was the first HIV antibody test developed and made available, and is the most widely used. With this test, an initial assay is used (the ELISA), and confirmed using a more specific test (the Western Blot).
Oral mucosal transudate test:
This test, an alternative to the standard blood test, uses a specially treated pad placed in a person's mouth, and gently rubbed between the lower cheek and gum. The pad collects an oral fluid called oral mucosal transudate (OMT). This fluid contains HIV antibodies in an HIV- infected person. This test does not test for HIV in saliva.
Urine HIV antibody test: The urine HIV-1 testing method is a painless, non-evasive option for getting an HIV antibody test. This test uses the urine EIA (ELISA) and urine Western Blot technique to detect HIV antibodies, and is FDA licensed as an alternative to the blood test system. This test eliminates accidental needle sticks and exposure related dangers, protecting the patient and healthcare worker.
Rapid HIV antibody tests: Where the standard HIV antibody testing procedure requires up to two weeks for results, the rapid test gives results in 5-60 minutes.
Currently approved rapid HIV tests only test with blood. Other rapid HIV testing methods are in development. To perform the test, a fingerstick sample of blood is collected from an individual and transferred to a vial where it is mixed with a developing solution. The test device, which resembles a dipstick, is then inserted into the vial. In as little as 20 minutes, the test device will indicate if HIV-1 antibodies are present in the solution. Although the results of rapid screenings will be reported in point-of-care settings, as with all screening tests for HIV, if the OraQuick test gives a reactive test result, that result must be confirmed with an additional specific test. The OraQuick test has not been approved to screen blood donors.
Home Testing Kit: This do-it-yourself test kit uses the same technology as the standard blood test. Individual blood samples are collected at home, and mailed to a laboratory. Test results are provided over the telephone. The serum home testing kit costs between $30 and $45, and is available at many drug stores. Currently there is only one FDA approved home sample collection kit. Home HIV tests for other fluids are in development.
If the test comes negative, how can I continue to stay negative?
 The surest way to avoid HIV is to abstain from sexual intercourse, or to be in a long term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and you known is uninfected.
For persons who are sexually active, correct and consistent use of the male or female condom or can reduce the risk of transmission. Do NOT use a natural or lamb skin condom. It should be made of latex or polyurethane. However, no protective method is 100 percent effective, and condom use cannot guarantee absolute protection against HIV. The more sex partners you have, the greater your chances are of getting HIV or other diseases passed through sex.
Condoms used with a lubricant are less likely to break. However, condoms with the spermicidal nonoxynol-9 are not recommended for STD/HIV prevention. Condoms must be used correctly and consistently to be effective and protective. Incorrect use can lead to condom slippage or breakage, thus diminishing the protective effect.
Do not share needles and syringes used to inject drugs, steroids, vitamins, or for tattooing or body piercing.
Do not share razors or toothbrushes because of they may have the blood of another person on them.
What can I do if the test show I have HIV?
If you test positive for HIV, the sooner you take steps to protect your health, the better. Early medical treatment and a healthy lifestyle can help you stay well. Prompt medical care may delay the onset of AIDS and prevent some life-threatening conditions. There are a number of important steps you can take immediately to protect your health:
See a licensed health care provider, even if you do not feel sick. Try to find a health care provider who has experience treating HIV. There are now many medications to treat HIV infection and help you maintain your health. It is never too early to start thinking about treatment possibilities.
Have a TB (tuberculosis) test. You may be infected with TB and not know it. Undetected TB can cause serious illness, but it can be successfully treated if caught early.
Smoking cigarettes, drinking too much alcohol, or using illegal drugs (such as methamphetamines) can weaken your immune system. There are programs available that can help you stop or reduce your use of these substances.
Get screened for other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Undetected STDs can cause serious health problems. It is also important to practice safer-sex behaviors so you can avoid getting STDs.
There is much you can do to stay healthy. Learn all that you can about maintaining good health.
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Are you afraid of getting tested?
Call the NYS HIV/AIDS Hotline:
