HIV - Test

The standard HIV test of today checks whether HIV anti-bodies are present in the bloodstream. Remember, the creation of HIV anti-bodies in the body are triggered by the presence of the HIV virus. It is believed that the anti-bodies form within 3-months of an infection. If anti-bodies are found, then the test result is determined to be "positive", otherwise it is called "negative". Watch out, however, as a "negative" test only means that the body has not generated any HIV anti-bodies. If a test is performed too soon after a possible infection, then a "negative" test result may not be true. With some persons, AIDS will break out shortly after an infection. Most persons live for years as "positive", without any signs of AIDS. If you want to protect your partners and yourself, you don't need to take the test. Just recognise the risky situations, and play "safe".

Should I have myself tested?
In earlier times, when there was no effective medication for the treatment of HIV, this question was very difficult to answer. Now, because of the many treatments, it makes sense to consider having the test. It is in any case advisable to seek advice from a professional (doctor, AIDS counsellor, etc.) to find out if a test makes sense for you, or is necessary due to your personal circumstances.

A test result, considering the limitations above, can give an indication of your HIV status, and can help to eliminate hidden anxieties. For some it is better to know your status - positive or negative - than to be constantly worried about the unknown. For others who would rather not know their status, the rules for safe sex are especially applicable and must be followed.
One reason to take the test is that medicines for HIV positive persons are readily available which can prevent the outbreak of AIDS, or slow the progress of the disease. We know today that the prognosis for a successful treatment is very good if the illness is treated early with the currently available medicines. But don't be fooled into thinking that there are any medicines which can cure AIDS.

To have the test taken as part of a blood donation process is irresponsible. Assuming that you have been infected with HIV, and your body has not yet produced the tell-tale antibodies, your blood will be rated as "negative", endangering the blood supply and giving you a false sense of confidence. In addition, homosexual men are currently not allowed to be blood donors.

There are many opportunities to have yourself tested. We believe it important to have yourself tested where you not only receive a test result, but also advice to accompany it. We recommend that the test be done anonymously (with a code name or number). The most appropriate test locations are the various local health clinics, recommended by your local AIDS advice centre, and offering anonymous testing services. The anonymity will protect you from discrimination from insurance companies or your employer. If you have the test done by your General Practitioner (GP), then you must state explicitly that the test is to be done anonymously. This provides that your GP not be informed of the results of your test since the small print of some insurance company rules obligate your GP to inform the insurance company of a test being conducted and the results. Also make certain that the bill for the test is not sent to your health insurance company.

In Addition:
An HIV test may only be conducted with the authorisation of the person being tested. This applies to your Doctor's practice, hospital visits, military service, prison terms and especially in the routine process of applying for employment. You are not required to state your test result to anyone, not even the police.

General:
Seek advice if anything is not clear to you. Every AIDS advisory organisation will offer free and anonymous advice over the telephone. Some will even have a special line for gay men!