The earlier you know about a positive result, the sooner you can take advantage of preventive treatment. Are considering becoming parents. Wish to inform their past sexual partners if they are infected. Think it would help them adopt safer sex practices or stop using injectable drugs. Are considering enlisting in the armed forces, foreign service, Job Corps, or other settings where testing is now mandatory.
Counseling is important when both preparing to take the test and dealing with the test results.
A person who knows a lot about HIV infection and AIDS can talk with you about the test and its meaning. Look for a testing site that offers counseling before and after your test. Anonymous tests can never be traced back to you. Centers that offer confidential tests should promise not to give anyone your records without your written consent. You should ask who will know your test result and how it will be stored.