HIV Testing

The HIV antibody test is used to test for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that can lead to the development of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV damages the body's immune system, the system that fights infections.

Should I be Tested?

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you should get an HIV test. If you continue with any of these behaviors, you should be tested every year.

• Have you injected drugs or steroids or shared equipment (such as needles, syringes, works) with others?
• Have you had unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with men who have sex with men, multiple partners, or anonymous partners?
• Have you exchanged sex for drugs or money?
• Have you been diagnosed with or treated for hepatitis, tuberculosis (TB), or a sexually transmitted infection (STI), like gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis?
• Have you had unprotected sex with someone who could answer yes to any of the above questions?

For women who plan to become pregnant, testing is also important. If a woman is infected with HIV, medical care and certain drugs given during pregnancy can lower the chance of passing HIV to her baby. All women who are pregnant should be tested during each pregnancy.

Where Can I Get Tested?

Free, anonymous HIV testing is available at Public Health - Madison and Dane County (PHMDC). AIDS Network and Blue Bus Clinic also do anonymous HIV testing in Madison. At an HIV anonymous test site, you may choose to have a name identified or anonymous HIV test. If you choose anonymous testing, you use numbers and letters instead of your name. Name identified HIV testing can also be done at your clinic or health care provider's office.

Click here for a list of HIV test sites (PDF) in the Madison area or call (608) 243-0411.

What Happens When I'm Tested?

Your healthcare provider or HIV test counselor will talk to you about your risk and your testing options, You give written consent with your name, or your code if it is anonymous testing.

• A specimen of blood or oral fluid is collected.
• Depending on the type of test, results will be ready in 10 to 20 minutes or in 1 to 2 weeks.

What Types of HIV Tests are Available?

Most HIV screening tests are antibody tests. This means there is a period of time after infection before antibodies are detectable. Most people have detectable antibodies by 12 weeks after being infected.

PHMDC offers 2 types of HIV antibody tests:

• Rapid HIV Test
• Standard Blood Test

Why Get Tested?

1. If you test positive, there are treatments that will help keep you healthier longer. Treatment is available even if you don't have health insurance.
2. If you know you have the virus, you can protect your sex or needle-sharing partners.
3. A woman thinking about having a baby needs to know if she has the virus since she could give it to her baby. A pregnant woman with HIV can take medicine that will help protect the baby from HIV.

What do the test results mean?

• What does a Positive HIV Test mean?
• What does a Negative HIV Test mean?