HIV, also called human immunodeficiency virus, is a devastating disease that affects your body's defense against infection. The HIV test was developed to find HIV antibodies (substances in your blood made in reaction to infection) in your oral mucus membranes and blood.
Population
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the HIV test is recommended for everyone at least once in their lifetime, especially if they have risk factors for developing HIV. Risk factors include unprotected sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners and steroid and corticosteroid use.
Traditional HIV test
According to the Mayo Clinic, the traditional HIV test involves obtaining a sample of your blood and sending it to a laboratory where a pathologist looks at antibodies indicative of HIV infection. Your urine and saliva samples can also be used. An HIV home test and rapid HIV test are also available.
Privacy
The CDC states that information about your HIV test will not be shared with anybody unless you sign a release. If you test positive for HIV, the results will be forwarded to your local health department and the CDC but your name, address and other personal identifiers will be removed.
Locations
The local health department, clinics, doctors' offices and hospitals are specific sites that provide HIV testing.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women should be tested for HIV if they have HIV risk factors. There are ways to prevent HIV transmission to the baby.
