HIV Testing

ALL SEXUALLY ACTIVE PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO HAVE HAD MULTIPLE SEX PARTNERS - GAY OR STRAIGHT - SHOULD GET TESTED.

Even people in monogamous relationships should be tested and should know their partner’s status.

Why should I get Tested?
Am I at risk?
When and Where to go for HIV Test?
What is an HIV Antibody Test?
If I test negative, is my partner HIV negative?
What if I test HIV positive?

Why should I get Tested?

The only way to know your status is to have an HIV Test.

Early diagnosis is crucial in preventing life-threatening health conditions and combating the spread of HIV. Knowing your status will allow you to take steps to protect your health and the health of others. If you know you are HIV-positive and pregnant, you can take medications and other precautions—such as refraining from breast-feeding— to significantly reduce the risk of infecting your child.

Am I at risk?

Anyone can become infected with HIV, but you are at greater risk if you:

Have ever shared injection drug needles and syringes or “works.”
Have ever had unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with multiple sex partners, anonymous partners, or men who have sex with men.
Have ever been diagnosed with or treated for hepatitis, tuberculosis (TB) or a sexually transmitted disease such as syphilis.
Exchanged sex for drugs or money.
Have had unprotected sex with someone who would answer yes to any of the above questions.

If you are unsure of a sexual partner’s risk-taking behavior or if you or they have had many sex partners, you are at greater risk of infection.

When and Where to Go for HIV Test?

Most people develop detectable HIV antibodies within three months of infection, the average being 20 days. In rare cases, it can take 6-12 months. It is important to seek testing at a place that also provides counseling about HIV and AIDS. Counselors can answer questions about behavior that may put you at risk of contracting or transmitting HIV and suggest ways you can protect yourself and others in the future. They can also help you understand the meaning of the test results and refer you to local AIDS-related resources.

You can go to any hospital for a test, or come to PT Foundation. Call us today at (03) 4044-4611 to schedule your free and anonymous HIV test.

What is the HIV Antibody Test?

When HIV enters the bloodstream, it begins to attack certain white blood cells known as CD4 cells. The immune system then produces antibodies to fight off infection. When you take an HIV test, doctors are actually looking for the presence of these antibodies, which confirm that HIV infection has occurred.

If I test negative does that mean that my partner is also HIV negative?

No. Your HIV test result only reveals your HIV status. Getting tested for HIV should not be seen as a method to find out if your partner is infected, and testing should never take the place of protecting yourself from HIV.

What if I test HIV Positive?

If you test positive for HIV, you can take immediate steps to protect your health. 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 doctor, even if you do not feel sick. Find a doctor who has experience treating HIV. There are now many drugs to treat HIV infection and help you maintain your health.
Have a tuberculosis test done. Undetected TB can cause serious illnesses, but it can be successfully treated if caught early.
Smoking cigarettes, drinking too much alcohol, or using illegal drugs can weaken your immune system. There are programs available that can help you reduce or stop using these substances.
Get screened for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Undetected STDs can cause serious health problems. It is also important to practice safe sex behaviors to avoid contracting STDs.
Call Positive Living Programme - PT Foundation's programme who supports people living with HIV at 03) -2697 0655.