IMPORTANT, PLEASE NOTE:
If you believe you have had a recent exposure to HIV infection, you should consider starting a course of medicine called ‘PEP’ (post exposure prophylaxis) immediately. Please see 'What is PEP?' for more information.
HIV and AIDS
HIV stands for ‘Human Immunodeficiency Virus’. HIV is transmitted from one person to another in bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk.
Common causes of HIV infection include unprotected sex or sharing drug-injecting equipment with a person who has HIV. HIV infection causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) by damaging the immune system and making the body vulnerable to a range of infections.
What is the HIV antibody test?
The HIV antibody test is a blood test to detect HIV infection. A small amount of blood is taken from you and sent to a laboratory where it is tested for antibodies to HIV. HIV antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to HIV infection. A person’s HIV antibody status is usually determined by two different blood tests. If the first test (called the ‘ELISA’ test) is ‘positive’, and this is then confirmed by the second test (called the ‘Western Blot’ test), an ‘HIV positive’ result is recorded.
The use of the two different tests gives a very reliable result.
When to consider having an HIV antibody test
You may consider having an HIV antibody test for several reasons. You may have had unprotected sex, or shared drug injecting equipment with, someone who may be HIV positive. Perhaps you are pregnant, or starting a new sexual relationship. Some people seek a test because they feel unwell and suspect HIV infection is the cause. Your practitioner can talk to you about your reasons for seeking a test and explain the various risk factors for HIV infection. This can help you to decide whether or not you need to have a test.
What are the benefits of testing?
Testing and confirming an ‘HIV negative’ result can save you worry and anxiety about your HIV status.
There may be medical advantages in knowing an ‘HIV positive’ result sooner rather than later. It may be possible to preserve your immune system more effectively with earlier intervention to treat HIV infection. Early detection and treatment intervention can also reduce the risk of HIV positive women passing on the virus to their babies during pregnancy, at birth, or through breastfeeding.
If you test and get an ‘HIV positive’ result, you are also able to ensure that you take steps to reduce the risk of passing on HIV to others.
Worried?
It is common for people to feel anxious, worried or afraid about having a test, and a possible ‘HIV positive’ result. For some people, these feelings can be an obstacle to having a test. It is important to remember the benefits of testing described above, and to remember that support is available during this time. For more information about support, refer to the contact section below.
What is involved?
The HIV antibody test is a blood test. A small amount of blood is taken from you and sent to the laboratory where it is tested for antibodies to HIV.
Ideally, your practitioner should provide counselling before you are tested and when giving your test results. Counselling beforehand can help you to decide whether or not you need to have a test. Your practitioner can talk to you about what the test is for, what it would mean to you if the test were either positive or negative, and about safe sex and, if relevant, safe injecting. They can also help you to get support while you are waiting for the test result.
Where can you get tested?
Free and confidential HIV testing is available from the Canberra Sexual Health Centre at The Canberra Hospital. Testing can also be organised by your doctor.
The test results
It can take more than a week for test results to come back from the laboratory. It is recommended that your practitioner give the test results to you in person, even when the result is ‘HIV negative’. Your practitioner should be able to explain the full implications of your test result.
In a small number of cases, a ‘negative’ test result may need to be confirmed by a re-test at a later date. Your practitioner will explain to you the reasons for this if a re-test is necessary.
What about confidentiality?
The HIV antibody test is confidential.
Your practitioner should be able to explain confidentiality procedures and answer any concerns about this before you decide to take an HIV antibody test.
PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis)
PEP is a course of drugs started as soon as possible after a possible exposure to HIV infection. It is thought that PEP may reduce the risk of HIV infection occurring after exposure to HIV infection. Exposure can result from unprotected sex or a broken condom with a partner who is HIV positive, sharing drug injecting equipment or ‘needlestick’ injury.
PEP should be started as soon as possible following exposure, preferably within 1–2 hours, and certainly within 24–72 hours of exposure. PEP is available from hospital emergency departments outside normal business hours.
Further Information
AIDS Action Council of the ACT
Ph 6257 2855
Canberra Sexual Health Centre
Ph 6244 2184
Division of General Practice HIV Clinic Nurse
Ph 6247 5742
Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP)
Ph 6247 3443
Calvary Hospital
Ph 6201 6111