Getting Tested
How can I find out if I have HIV?
You can find out by having a routine blood test. The test looks for HIV antibodies that can be detected within three months of becoming infected. If you are infected with the HIV, then HIV antibodies will be present in your blood. All positive test results are confirmed by further testing.
Where can I get an HIV test?
Testing is readily available and is strictly confidential. Your regular GP can arrange it. If for some reason you're not comfortable asking your GP, most Community Health Centres offer testing services or you may choose to go somewhere like Melbourne Sexual Health. Click here to view a list of centres around Victoria where you can go for HIV (and other sexual health) testing.
What can I expect when I get tested?
The law says that you should only be tested for HIV after giving your informed consent and that everyone getting an HIV test should be offered Pre & Post Test Counselling. In most cases, results of the blood test are available in a week so you will need to make a follow up appointment for your results.
Pre Test Counselling
A qualified person should be available to answer any questions you may have CONFIDENTIALLY before you are tested. This may include:
- explaining the testing process to you;
- helping you assess your risk of having or getting HIV;
- explaining how HIV is transmitted;
- explaining how you might best protect yourself and your partners in the future;
- helping you prepare for the test results.
Best practice says all HIV test results should be given in person (not over the phone) so it should be expected that you will need to make an appointment in about a week to recieve your results.
Post Test Counselling (if the results are negative)
Your test provider will explain what your results indicate and will offer you information on "how to stay this way"; that is; prevent getting HIV or putting yourself at risk in the future. It may be advisable to return for another HIV test in a couple of months. There is a window period for HIV antibodies to develop in the body. If possible transmission has occurred because of recent exposure, the antibodies may not be detectable yet.
Post Test Counselling (if the results are positive)
A positive result means that you have HIV. Your test provider will be able to offer you information about treatments, sources of support and general advice. Often a lot of this information isn't absorbed initially. What's important to remember now is:
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HIV has become manageable and you're going to be OK for a long time. (With current treatment, estimated life expectancy from diagnosis is more than 30 years in Australia.)
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You can stop the "chain of infection" of HIV! Practice safe sex and/or safer injecting.
You will need to have other blood tests to assess and monitor the HIV infection. For additional information see Newly Diagnosed