Description:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is most commonly transmitted sexually, but can also be contracted through IV drug use and less likely, blood transfusions. It is the virus that causes AIDS. This condition damages your immune system and can lead to serious illness, infections and many other symptoms.

There are two parts to the HIV test at ANY LAB TEST NOW®.

1. The first part is an initial blood screen. A negative result means there are no HIV antibodies in your blood, but false positives can occasionally occur.
2. If the screen is positive, the lab will run a confirmation test called a Western Blot.

Why Do I Need It?:

You should be tested for HIV if you...

• Had unprotected sex. The greatest chance of becoming HIV infected is by having contact with an infected person’s blood, semen or vaginal secretions.
• Have an existing sexual transmitted disease (because it increases your chances of becoming HIV infected.)
• Share needles.

Even if you’ve been infected with HIV, you may not know it right away because you can look and feel healthy for many years afterward. It’s important to know that you have to be HIV infected (HIV positive) and turn ill to have AIDS. While HIV antibodies can be discovered 3 months after exposure, it’s best to be certain by being tested again at 6 months.

Other Relevant Tests:

Having one STD increases your risk of becoming infected with another STD. If you’re considering the HIV Test, you might want to upgrade to a Comprehensive STD Panel, which tests for HIV and several other STDs. A much better value.

Test Details:

Normal Range:

A normal test results will be indicated by a negative.

High Results Indicate:

High results are indicated as positive. A positive result means that you have been infected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. You should contact your partners and have them get tested.

Low Results Indicate:

There are not values for low results.

What Type of Physician Should You See?

If you have tested positive for HIV, you should see your primary care physician for a referral to an Infectious Disease physician or seek information from your local health department.

Next Steps:

1. Buy test – either at the store or online. (*If online, don't forget to print out receipt!)
2. Fill out necessary paperwork and how you want to receive the test results.
3. Get results.
4. Review results.
5. If your results are 'abnormal' or 'out-of-range' from the normal, please contact your physician. (*The interpretation of any laboratory test should be made only by a licensed physician.)