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General testing process
HIV is a very specific virus, so there are some very specific
tests administered before someone is told they have HIV.
Most HIV tests are testing for antibodies to the virus,
not the virus itself. Antibodies are produced by the body
to fight off an infection and are specific to an illness.
First, a test using the ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent
assay) method is performed on the sample. This is a general
test that will react positively for a variety of antibodies.
It is also very inexpensive.
If the ELISA test is reactive, then a second (and sometimes
third) ELISA test is performed. If either of these subsequent
tests is reactive, then an additional confirmatory test
is conducted.
There are two confirmatory tests: Western Blot (WB) and
Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), which is faster
than the WB.
Many facilities that offer HIV testing have a one to two
week waiting period for the results. This is because they
send out the sample to a laboratory. Some facilities may
have a quicker time period. See below for more information
on rapid testing.
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Do I have to get blood drawn in order
to test for HIV infection?
No. Alternative tests now offer a variety of ways to be
tested without giving blood. These can include cheek swab,
finger prick and urine test. However, these tests are the
general ELISA test and if a result is positive, a follow-up
test (Western blot or IFA) requiring a vial of blood would
be needed to confirm the presence of HIV antibodies. In
addition, the urine test is not generally available to the
public but is used by insurance companies.
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What about rapid testing?
A rapid test is usually more expensive than a regular test
and results can be seen in 10-30 minutes. A cheek swab or
blood sample from a finger prick can be used for the rapid
test. It is only an ELISA test and if positive, must be
confirmed by Western blot or IFA test (requiring a vial
of blood).
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What is the difference between anonymous and confidential
HIV testing?
Anonymous HIV Testing means that an individual's name is
not used to track the results of the blood test. The test
will be tracked by numbers or letters to identify the results.
The patient must return with their number or letter for
results. Confidential testing means that an individual's
name is attached to the test result; however, like other
medical records, it is considered "confidential"
which means it is only between the medical provider and
the individual. An individual must be careful when signing
medical releases to indicate if they want the HIV test included
in the release.
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What about home testing?
There is a home testing kit, called the Home Access HIV-1
Test that can be purchased from the company Home Access.
These tests can be purchased on-line, over the phone or
in stores and the test is delivered to your house. It is
a finger prick test, which is then mailed in to a lab where
they do the standard ELISA test. Results can take 3 days
to one week and are called obtained when the patient calls
for results. Any other home HIV test is NOT approved by
the FDA and is not recommended.
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Does HIV testing test for both types?
When getting tested, most agencies will only
test for the HIV-1 unless direct contact has been made with
the HIV-2 virus. If you're not sure, talk to your testing
counselor.
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When should I get tested?
If you have engaged in unprotected oral, anal or vaginal
sex, have shared drug equipment (especially needles), or
have had contact with another person's blood, you should
consider getting an HIV test.
Because the "window period," the time it takes
an individual to develop antibodies, varies from a few weeks
to 6 months, an individual with a negative result could
actually be infected with HIV. Most testing centers recommend
testing 3 to 6 months after possible exposure to ensure
that the results are accurate.
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What to do when the results are in . . . . . . . . .
If you receive a positive result:
• It does not mean your life is over.
• It means you are HIV-positive (carrying
the virus that causes AIDS).
• It does not mean that you have AIDS
or that you will necessarily get AIDS.
• It means you can infect others and
need to take precautions to prevent this.
• It means you need to learn more
about HIV/AIDS in order to make informed choices about your
future.
• It means you should be careful to
get factual information from reliable sources.
• It does not mean that you are all
alone - there are many support groups and organizations
that can help you to decide what your next step should be
(see Resources).
• It means that you need to find a
doctor or clinic in order to get an evaluation of your general
health and immune function.
If you receive a negative result:
• It means that no HIV antibodies
were found in your blood at this time.
• It does not mean you are not infected
with HIV - you may still be in the "window period"
which is the time it takes for a person who has been infected
with HIV to seroconvert, or test positive, for HIV antibodies.
• It does not mean that you are immune
to AIDS.
• It does not mean you will never
get AIDS. It is important for you to consider avoiding unsafe
activities to protect yourself.
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Can I get HIV testing on campus?
Yes. The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) health
services offer limited testing for STIs including HIV. They
do offer the blood test for HIV, which cost $25. Other testing
centers in San Antonio offer free testing if cost is a concern.
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What are testing resources off campus?
STD Clinic: San Antonio Health Department 332 W.
Commerce St. Room 104, 210-207-8830 for information and
210-207-4238 for appointments.
San Antonio AIDS Foundation: 818 East Grayson
St., San Antonio, TX 78208 210-225-4715
Offers FREE anonymous or confidential testing.
www.txsaaf.org
Male Clinic: 527 N. Leona, 210-358-3698
Methodist HealthCare: 803 Castroville Rd. Suite 131,
210-435-4400
Beat AIDS: 218 West Cyprus, Tuesdays 9 a.m.-11:30
a.m. and 1:30p.m.-5 p.m.
Young Adult Clinic (Ages 13-24 years, formerly known
as the Brady Green Clinic): 527 N. Leona 210-358-3710 or
210-567-7400
• STD/HIV Screening
and Treatment
• Family Planning/Birth
Control Services
• Physical Exams
• Plus other services
• Free on Tuesday
nights from 4-7 pm
Project Save: 203 West Olmos, suite 300 210-805-8106
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