All young people could benefit from effective HIV prevention education and STD, substance abuse, and pregnancy prevention programs. In addition to providing factual information, education programs for the prevention of HIV infection should include opportunities for the development of decision making, communication, negotiation, and peer refusal skills. Given the treatment options available today and the belief that starting treatment earlier is more effective than later, it is important for individuals who have been involved in risk behaviors to be aware of their HIV antibody status. Blood tests are available to screen for the presence of HIV antibodies. In an anonymous test, not available in all states, the subject is identified by number.
Many states require permission from parents to test minors.
This requires sending a sample of blood from a finger stick to a lab and then calling for results, using a number as identification. This test would be available for young people who have the financial resources to purchase the kit. A saliva HIV antibody test has been approved by the FDA but not yet for home use. Most providers agree that the ideal way to offer antibody testing is in the context of a counseling program. Pretest counseling, which could be offered through a school counseling program, can assist young people in clarifying their reasons for taking an HIV antibody test and anticipating their actions in response to a positive or negative test.