You can get tested for HIV in different ways.
You can get it at your community's local clinics, or HIV/AIDS centers, at the doctor's office, or even through an HIV home test.
To learn the different ways to get tested, continue reading.
What does testing do for you? Right now an over the counter HIV home test kit is available to the masses.
Whether you get tested in another site or continue with an HIV test kit, it is important to get tested after your first contact and after 90 days.
A test looks for antibodies to HIV.
If your tests come out positive, it means that there are antibodies inside your body and that you have HIV.
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
If the results come out negative, it means that you do not have the antibodies.
However, it is important to note that antibodies can take anywhere between three to six months to develop if you have been infected by HIV.
Here is a deeper look at testing sites: Local clinic You can easily look for their number in your phone book.
You can find out sites that offer testing in a confidential manner or you can visit your public health clinic that also provides screening.
One of the positive things about taking this direction is that you will be able to talk to a counselor or professional personally.
You can be directed to the offices or persons that provide more information on HIV and that can offer emotional support.
Some of the clinics either take blood or a swab of saliva from you.
You can give you results within one to two weeks.
There are other places that use OraQuick which can provide results in 20 to 40 minutes.
HIV Home Test Kit If you do not feel ready to take the HIV test with professionals, you can do it in the privacy of your own home.
Now an over the counter HIV home test kit can be bought.
It is the same used as those in local clinics.
OraQuick can sell up to $60.
This was approved by FDA in the year 2004.
This provides quick results.
It is done by taking a sample of your saliva in the wand that is included in the HIV home test.
The HIV home test is not 100% accurate.
Doctor's Office You can easily set an appointment with your doctor.
Your doctor can do the test for you by taking your blood or saliva.
He will send it to the lab to get results.
One of the great things about going to the doctor is that you already have a strong support system or you can comfortably talk to him about your concern.
Whether you go to the local clinics, get an HIV test kit, or go to the doctor's office, it is important to remember to get tested and have a follow up test done.
For those who are taking the HIV test kit, you need to remember to do it considering the Window Period.
You can get it at your community's local clinics, or HIV/AIDS centers, at the doctor's office, or even through an HIV home test.
To learn the different ways to get tested, continue reading.
What does testing do for you? Right now an over the counter HIV home test kit is available to the masses.
Whether you get tested in another site or continue with an HIV test kit, it is important to get tested after your first contact and after 90 days.
A test looks for antibodies to HIV.
If your tests come out positive, it means that there are antibodies inside your body and that you have HIV.
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
If the results come out negative, it means that you do not have the antibodies.
However, it is important to note that antibodies can take anywhere between three to six months to develop if you have been infected by HIV.
Here is a deeper look at testing sites: Local clinic You can easily look for their number in your phone book.
You can find out sites that offer testing in a confidential manner or you can visit your public health clinic that also provides screening.
One of the positive things about taking this direction is that you will be able to talk to a counselor or professional personally.
You can be directed to the offices or persons that provide more information on HIV and that can offer emotional support.
Some of the clinics either take blood or a swab of saliva from you.
You can give you results within one to two weeks.
There are other places that use OraQuick which can provide results in 20 to 40 minutes.
HIV Home Test Kit If you do not feel ready to take the HIV test with professionals, you can do it in the privacy of your own home.
Now an over the counter HIV home test kit can be bought.
It is the same used as those in local clinics.
OraQuick can sell up to $60.
This was approved by FDA in the year 2004.
This provides quick results.
It is done by taking a sample of your saliva in the wand that is included in the HIV home test.
The HIV home test is not 100% accurate.
Doctor's Office You can easily set an appointment with your doctor.
Your doctor can do the test for you by taking your blood or saliva.
He will send it to the lab to get results.
One of the great things about going to the doctor is that you already have a strong support system or you can comfortably talk to him about your concern.
Whether you go to the local clinics, get an HIV test kit, or go to the doctor's office, it is important to remember to get tested and have a follow up test done.
For those who are taking the HIV test kit, you need to remember to do it considering the Window Period.