1.   Is there a test for HIV?

     The HIV antibody test can detect antibodies to HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.   Antibodies are substances produced in the blood to fight disease organisms such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi   When antibodies to HIV are present in a person's bloodstream, it means that he or she is infected with the virus.

  The HIV antibody test has two parts: a screening test called the ELISA, and a confirmatory test called the Western Blot.   Although these tests DO NOT measure the presence or amount of virus in the bloodstream and CANNOT tell if a person has AIDS, they are over 99.9 % accurate in determining if a person has HIV infection.   In addition to HIV antibody tests, there are other tests, such as qualitative PCR and p24 antigen, that measure the virus more directly, rather than antibodies.   These are not used to detect infection in most circumstances; but to guide clinical treatment of an infected person.

   The fact that the test for HIV infection measures the presence of antibodies has important, practical significance. It means that someone will not test positive for HIV until their body has begun to produce antibodies against the virus-- usually one to three months after being infected. (see #6 below)

2.   What kinds of antibody tests are available?

     At the current time, there are HIV antibody tests that can be performed on blood and oral fluid samples (not saliva).   Most HIV antibody testing is done in doctor' s offices, at clinics, and at anonymous or confidential testing sites.   Before the test is done, a counselor, health care provider or doctor will discuss the test and review the risks for getting HIV.   The test is done and the individual must return at a later date to discuss the test result and the recommended next steps.

     There is one HIV antibody collection kit that can be purchased in pharmacies and other stores for home use.   With this test, a lancet is used to obtain a small amount of blood from a finger.   The sample is then sent to the company for processing.   For this kind of antibody test, individuals call the company to get the test result using an anonymous code number.

3.   Why should a person be tested?

     Now more than ever people need to know if they have HIV.   There are more effective medications to treat HIV infection, and more medications to help prevent some common infections that occur as a result of having HIV.   Ongoing medical check-ups and taking medications before getting sick will help people stay healthier longer.

     In addition, people with HIV will want to take precautions to eliminate or reduce the risk of infecting others, including unborn children, who can be infected during pregnancy and birth.

     The sooner one is tested, the sooner decisions can be made about health and how to protect oneself and others from HIV infection.

4.   When does a person need to be tested?

     People should be tested if they are worried they might have some risk of exposure to HIV.   People should also be tested if they engaged in behaviors in the past that might have placed them at risk of HIV exposure.   Partners considering pregnancy or women who are already pregnant should also be tested for HIV.

5.   Should a person wait for symptoms before getting tested?

     No.   People who are concerned that they may have been infected with HIV should seek counseling and testing as soon as possible.   However, HIV infection may not show up immediately after exposure.   The counselor, health care provider or doctor will explain the test and suggest ways to avoid or reduce further risk of HIV infection. The earlier HIV infection is detected, the sooner medical treatment can begin, which may help people stay healthier longer.   We now know that the immune system can remain healthier if treatment starts before a person has symptoms.

6.   How soon after infection can HIV be detected?

     Most people infected with HIV develop antibody levels high enough to be detected by the HlV antibody test within a month.   Almost everyone who is infected will have a positive antibody test within 3 months.   All people infected with HIV, whether or not they have yet developed enough antibodies to be detected by the test, can spread the virus to others through unprotected sex and needle sharing activities.   Pregnant women with HIV can also pass the virus to their babies during pregnancy, delivery or through breastfeeding.

     A negative test result indicates that a person is not infected with HIV only if the person has NOT engaged in risky behaviors for three months before the test.   A negative test result does not, of course, protect one from HIV infection in the future.   People with negative test results should receive counseling to learn how to avoid behaviors that put them at risk for HIV infection.

7.   Is HIV testing ever mandatory?

     In New York State, HIV testing is generally voluntary and cannot be done without the written informed consent of the individual requesting the test.

There are some instances where testing is not voluntary in New York State.

• As of February 1997, all newborns are tested for HIV antibodies.   A newborn's test result also provides information about the mother' s HIV status.

• HIV testing can also be required in order to participate in several federal programs such as Job Corps, and the Armed Forces.

• Federal prisons, unlike New York State or local correctional facilities, require all inmates to be tested for HIV.

• HIV testing can be required for certain types of insurance, i.e., disability or life insurance.   However, people cannot be denied health insurance because they have HIV or AIDS.