The test results reflect your HIV status as of six months ago. If you engage in risky behavior today and have an HIV antibody test tomorrow, this test will not determine if you have contracted the virus through that specific behavior because it is simply too soon. It usually takes up to six months for HIV antibodies to show up in the blood. If you wait for six months and engage in no other risky behaviors, the results of an HIV antibody test should be accurate. The sooner people are tested, the sooner those who are HIV positive can get the treatment they need to slow down the progression of the virus and stay healthier longer.
Many agencies offer free, anonymous testing and counseling.
This means you do not give your name and are assigned an identification number for purposes of obtaining the results. These tests are offered through state and local health departments, AIDS organizations or private doctors. For more information about HIV testing, you can call Planned Parenthood, or your local HIV counseling and testing program. Here, on campus, you can contact the Health Educator, Carol Stenger, at 442-5896. Your call is confidential and you can remain anonymous if you wish.