It is a blood test to look for HIV antibodies that are made by the immune system as soon as a person gets infected with HIV. It is important to note that the test does not check for the virus itself, but the presence of the antibodies indicates that the person is infected.

Window Period:

Antibodies to HIV begin being made by the immune system as soon as the person is infected. It can take a few weeks to three months for the person's body to make enough antibodies to show on the HIV Antibody test. The time between infection with HIV and when there are enough antibodies to show up on the test is called the "Window Period.

If a person is infected with HIV, he or she can transmit the virus to someone else even if the HIV Antibody test doesn't detect any antibodies.

Best time to do the test:

Because of the window period, the best time to first be HIV Antibody tested is about 4 weeks after having a risk for HIV infection happened. After 3 months, virtually everybody who is infected with HIV will have enough antibodies to show up on the HIV Antibody test. But to make the test accurate, the person tested must not engage in any possible risk for infection during the window period.

Anonymous or Confidential:

In New York State, HIV testing is offered anonymously and confidentially.

Anonymous:

This means unknown, secret, no name is given at the HIV Antibody testing site. The person tested is given only an unidentifiable number. People tested positive at anonymous testing site can use partner notification services without telling anyone their name.

Confidential:

This means the name of the person tested is known, but can be shared only with those who need to know the result of the HIV Antibody test as permitted under the law. The person's name and result of the test are entered into the medical record. When confidential tests results are positive, the doctor must report the name of the person who is infected and any known partners. With few exceptions however, notifying spouses and partners that they may have been exposed to HIV is voluntary. Like STIs, no one can force anyone to disclose who their partners are, although an HIV test counselor and your doctor are there to explain the importance of notifying your partner, and help you choose the best way to do it.

Informed Consent for the Test:

At the testing site, everyone who asks to be HIV Antibody tested must sign an "Informed Consent to Perform an HIV Related Test Form" before the blood test is conducted. No one can force you to sign it unless you wish to do the test voluntarily. People who choose to be tested anonymously will sign the form with their number. There will be a counselor who does need the necessary counseling for your test as required by law. You will be scheduled to come back to get your result.

Who needs to be tested?

You should think about getting tested if you share needles for injection, have unprotected sex (vaginal, oral or anal) without using a condom, have certain illnesses like TB, STIs, or plan to have a baby or pregnant.

Benefits of Getting Tested:

If you test negative, the test can help you reduce stress/anxiety, and you can learn how to reduce your chance of getting infected.
If you test positive, the test can help you to start treatment early, learn to avoid spreading HIV and getting yourself infected with the virus again.

Inquiries:

If you have any further questions or are interested in getting tested, please contact:
Chinese-American Planning Council
HIV/AIDS Services
165 Eldridge Street
New York, NY 10002
Hotline: (212) 941-7992; (646) 613-8420 Ext. 281
WebSite: www.hivcpc.org
Email: info@hivcpc.org

All calls and services are free, confidential and anonymous.