Is the HIV test a blood test or a urine test?
The HIV  Test is a blood test. When you get to Verity, one small tube of blood will be drawn. There’s no need to get undressed or have any uncomfortable swabbing.

Will I need to fast or prepare for the test?
There is no preparation needed for the HIV antibody blood test. You do not need to fast.

Is HIV treatable?
Although there is no cure for HIV, a lot has changed in the world of HIV treatment. There are powerful antiretroviral medications to manage HIV infections that are so successful that often people with HIV are dealing with health issues related to aging more than complications from HIV. We talk about living with HIV, not dying from it, and we like to remind those with new HIV infections that they should not stop saving for retirement.

Who should be tested for HIV?
Anyone can get the HIV virus by having sex with an infected person, sharing needles with an infected person, or even from childbirth. HIV is not transmitted by touching or by toilet seats. You cannot get it from sharing towels or shaking hands. HIV is found in people of all sexual orientations and ages. In fact, the highest numbers of newly acquired cases of HIV have been found in middle-aged adults ages 35 to 44. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone age 13 – 64 be tested for HIV. Consider HIV testing as part of routine STD screening, especially if you have had unprotected sex with someone whose STD status you do not know or are concerned about.

What will the test results tell me?
HIV Test results are either positive or negative. Negative means no signs of HIV were found. A positive HIV Antibody Test result means that signs of HIV were found, but a confirmation test should be run before making a diagnosis.

If your test result comes back positive the laboratory automatically runs a confirmation. Experts agree that another test should be run on a new blood sample before making a formal diagnosis of HIV and we believe all physicians should follow this recommendation.

If your test is positive, a referral will be made for follow-up with a local physician who is an HIV specialist.

References

• CDC Fact Sheet: HIV