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The HIV test 

Thinking of Testing For HIV?
There are several reasons why you might want to have an HIV test:

  • if you think you may have been exposed to HIV through unprotected sex, shared injecting equipment or another reason
  • if you are in a relationship where you want to stop using condoms and you and your partner want to make sure neither of you is infected before doing so
  • if you are going to travel, study or work in a country which requires you to produce a certificate proving you are not infected with HIV

The HIV Antibody Test
The HIV Test is a simple blood test that looks for the antibodies your immune system will have produced IF you have been exposed to the HIV virus. These antibodies take up to 12 weeks to develop after HIV enters the bloodstream. This means waiting for 3 months after the time you think you may have been infected before having the Test. If you have not put yourself at risk in this time the result will give you an accurate picture of your HIV status, so it's important to practise safer sex during those 3 months.

A POSITIVE RESULT MEANS
• HIV antibodies are present in your blood.
• You are infected with HIV.
• Practising safer sex will help prevent passing the virus to others.

A NEGATIVE RESULT MEANS
• HIV antibodies are not present in your blood.
• You are not infected with HIV.
• You are not immune to HIV.
• Practising safer sex will help you to remain uninfected.

Where do I go for the test?
The best place to go for an HIV Test is to a GUM (Genito-Urinary Medicine) Clinic where a health adviser will spend time discussing the issues and answering your questions before you take the test.

The discussion with the health adviser is important and ensures that:

• you understand what the possible test results mean;

• you have considered the implications and possible problems of having the test;

• you have all the information you need to make a decision.

The result is normally available within 7 - 10 days when you return to the clinic to see the same health adviser to receive the result and discuss its implications. Some clinics also offer a same day testing service.

The Blood Transfusion Service routinely screen donated blood for the HIV virus, but confusingly do not take blood from HIGH RISK groups.

There are many support services available for people who are affected and infected with HIV, please refer to our local services directory for more information.