HIV TESTING
What is a HIV test?
A HIV test is a test that reveals whether HIV is present in the body. Commonly-used HIV tests detect the antibodies produced by the immune system in response to HIV, as it is much easier (and cheaper) to detect antibodies than the virus itself. Antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to an infection.
For most people, it takes three months for these antibodies to develop. In rare cases, it can take up to six months. During this “window period” of early infection a person is at their most infectious.
How long after possible exposure should I wait to be tested for HIV?
Generally, it is recommended that you wait three months after possible exposure before being tested for HIV. Although HIV antibody tests are very sensitive, there is a ‘window period’ of 3 to 12 weeks, which is the period between infection with HIV and the appearance of detectable antibodies to the virus. In the case of the most sensitive anti- HIV tests currently recommended, the window period is about three weeks. This period may be longer if less sensitive tests are used. During the window period, people infected with HIV have no antibodies in their blood that can be detected by an HIV test. However, the person may already have high levels of HIV in their body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk.
HIV can be passed on to another person during the window period even though an HIV test may not show that you are infected with HIV.
Why should I get a HIV test?
Knowing your HIV status has two vital benefits.
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Firstly, if you are HIV positive, you can take necessary steps before symptoms appear to access treatment, care and support services, thereby potentially prolonging your life for many years.
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Secondly, if you know you are infected, you can take all the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of HIV to others.
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Thirdly, your health care provider may recommend it, for example if you are pregnant and want to protect your unborn child. It may also be recommended by your health care provider if you are unwell, in order to obtain a more accurate medical assessment.
Where can I get tested?
There are many places where you can be tested for HIV: a local clinic, at the offices of a private doctor, a local health department, hospitals, family planning clinics and sites specifically set up for HIV testing. Always ensure that the testing place has counselling provided. In some communities home-based counseling and testing are available and can include couples counseling and support for safe post test disclosure of results.
You can contact the toll-free National AIDS Helpline at 0800 012 322.
The operator will be able to direct you to a testing centre nearest to where you live.
You can be tested free of charge at any government hospital or government clinic in your province.You can also contact your local AIDS Training, Information and Counselling Centre (ATICC).
There are branches countrywide in South Africa (see list below).
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ATICC Cape Town: 021 – 797 3327
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ATICC Durban: 031 – 300 3104
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ATICC East London: 043 – 705 2620
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ATICC Lowveld (Nelspruit): 013 – 759 2167
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ATICC Mpumalanga (Nelspruit): 013 – 759 2167
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ATICC Pietermaritzburg: 033 – 395 1612
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ATICC Port Elizabeth: 041 – 506 1415
Are my test results confidential?
The results of the HIV test must be kept absolutely confidential.
Consent
tBefore you take a HIV test you must give informed consent prior to being tested. Ideally it is given individually, in private, in the presence of a health care provider. This means your health care provider should provide certain pre-test information to you and give you the opportunity for your questions to be answered.
Confidentiality
There are different types of testing available:
Confidential HIV test:
The medical professionals handling the HIV test keep the result of the test confidential within the medical records. Results cannot be shared with another individual unless written permission is provided by the person tested.Anonymous HIV test: the tested person’s name is not used in connection with the test. Instead, a code or number is assigned to the test, which allows the individual being tested to receive the results of the test. No records are kept that would link the person to the test.
Shared confidentiality :
Is encouraged and refers to confidentiality that is shared with others that might include family members, loved ones, caregivers, and trusted friends. However, care should be taken when revealing the results as it can lead to discrimination in healthcare, professional and social settings. Shared confidentiality is therefore at the discretion of the person who will be tested. Although the result of the HIV test should be kept confidential, other professionals such as counsellors and health and social service workers might also need to be aware of the person’s HIV-positive status in order to provide appropriate care.
Counselling
Every person who takes a HIV test must receive counselling when their test results are given, regardless of the test result. You should have access to post-test counselling regardless of the result of the HIV test. Pre-test counselling was a core component of the original voluntary counselling and testing which was designed to assist clients to assess other personal risks and to identify practical strategies to cope with their test results.