How to Get Tested for HIV

If you've never been tested for HIV, it's recommended to test your status at the least once. And you have to get checked regularly in the event that you: have unprotected sex, are a guy who has sex with other guys, and use needles to inject drugs.

When someone is infected with HIV, it's important to understand because starting medicines straight away can keep a person stay healthy for quite a long time, you can find ways to prevent the spread of HIV to others, such as for example using a condom and taking medicines, and pregnant woman who is infected will get treatment to try to prevent passing HIV to her baby.

Another reason to get tested is peace of mind: An adverse test result can be a big relief for anyone who's worried about being infected.

Many testing centers can do an HIV test for free. Ask if you have a fee before going for testing. If you have any kind of inquiries relating to where and how you can utilize HIV test kit, you could call us at our web page. Generally in most states you don't desire a parent's permission to get tested for HIV. And you can get the test at the pharmacy with no parent.

Most HIV tests work with a blood sample, either from a blood draw or finger prick. Others use saliva (spit), but this is a little less accurate than blood tests.

Some HIV tests search for the virus itself. But many try to find the antibodies for HIV. Antibodies are the main immunity system and fight infections. When someone is contaminated with HIV, your body creates antibodies to fight HIV.

Testing results may be available that day or usually takes longer come back.

Who Will Know the Link between My Testing? It depends on where you receive your testing. Testing sites have different privacy rules. Ask about privacy rules at your testing site so you recognize whether someone else will know you got tested or see your results.

If you head to an anonymous test site, only you know the results. No written record of the test result is kept.

If you visit a confidential test site, the results will go in your medical record. Positive answers are provided for the state or local health department. Your insurance company will have use of your results. With respect to the state you live in, your parent or guardian may be contacted.

In the event that you test positive for HIV, it is essential to keep in mind that with treatment you can live a lengthy, healthy life. Actually, with early treatment, individuals with HIV can live about as long as people which are not infected.

A team approach will help you get the medical care and support that you need. Start with conversing with your doctor or the counselor or social worker at the testing site. He or she can allow you to with suggestions on the best way to speak to your parents or guardians and how to get a medical care provider who's an HIV specialist. By starting treatment as soon as possible, you can stay healthy and learn to reside well with HIV.

If your HIV test is negative, it does not necessarily mean your partner is negative too. The only path to be sure that your partner does not have HIV is for him or her to obtain tested.