HIV Testing
Getting an HIV Test:
Know Your Status!
The US Department of Health and Human Services estimates 250,000 people in the United States are HIV positive and don’t know it. HIV Testing is an opportunity for people to learn their HIV status, and to gain the knowledge they need to take control of their health and their lives.
HIV testing is easier, more accessible, and less invasive than ever. Diagnosis is the doorway to care and support. Living with HIV/AIDS is not always easy, but there is effective medical treatment and community support.
How is HIV transmitted?
- Unprotected sex – vaginal, oral and anal.
- Needle sharing for any injectable drugs.
- From mother to baby – before, during and after birth (through breast feeding).
- Body piercing, tattooing.
You are at risk if you:
- Have sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) without using a condom.
- Share needles or works to shoot drugs or for piercing or tattooing.
- Have an STD.
- Have more than one sex partner.
- Are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
HIV isn’t a plot or punishment…and it isn’t shameful.
It’s real – you need to protect yourself.
For NYS Anonymous Testing call:
1.800.562.9423
For anonymous support call:
1.888.475.2430
For free confidential HIV testing call:
1.800.475.2430
The Test
The test starts with a question - "Why do you want to be tested for HIV?" If you had unprotected sex last night and are concerned, you’ll get a test, then told to return in three months for a re-test. It takes time for the HIV virus to multiply to a detectable level.
Second question – "What would you do if you found out you were positive? Would you hurt yourself, would you hurt someone else?" The tester may refuse to do the test if the answer is yes.
The test itself is called the OraQuick Advance. A four-inch plastic device with an oval plastic swab affixed on one end is used to scrape inside the cheek; similar to the way DNA samples are taken. The swab is then inserted into a tube of solution.
In the twenty minutes it takes for the swab to reveal results, the tester asks - "What have you done to put yourself at risk?" The waiting time is used to educate and provide materials for safer sex or help reduce risks for injection drug users.
The test result comes the way a pregnancy test does: 1 line means negative, 2 lines means HIV reactive. If the test is reactive a second, confirmatory test (OraSure) is taken to see if the person is HIV positive and the results take about a week.
Those testing positive are immediately set up with counseling and primary medical care and services are available at AIDS Community Resources if needed.
Back to TopKNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Federal law prohibits discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS
Persons with HIV infection have been denied access to social services, or denied medical treatment, or had treatment or services delayed solely because they have HIV or AIDS. THIS IS AGAINST FEDERAL LAW.
If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your HIV status, file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the Department of Health and Human Services. You have 180 days from the date the discrimination occurred, unless there is as good reason for delay. You may request a complaint form from OCR, or obtain one from OCR’s Internet Web site at www.hhs.gov/ocr.
If you do not use OCR’s form, write down the following information:
- Your name, address and telephone number. Please sign your name.
- Name and address of the entity you believe discriminated against you;
- How, why and when you believe you were discriminated against, and
- Any other important information.
Send it to:
Office for Civil Rights
US Department of Health and Human Services
26 Federal Plaza – Suite 3313
New York, NY 10278
Once you file a complaint with OCR, it is against the law for the entity to take any action against you, or any other person who provides information about the complaint to OCR. If this happens, tell OCR about it immediately. 1-800-368-1019.
Back to Top