Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Anyone who has had unprotected sex with a partner who has not tested negative for HIV. Anyone who has injected drugs, especially if a needle was shared with other users. Women who are pregnant, or considering getting pregnant.
To detect the presence and levels of HIV antibodies.
Like many sexually transmitted diseases, HIV is often present without symptoms, so to protect yourself, your sexual partners, and, if you are female, the health of any future children you should be tested if there is any chance you have been exposed. If you have had unprotected sex, or if you are considering having unprotected sex with a new partner you should be tested.
Since HIV can cause potentially fatal defects in babies, if you are pregnant, or considering becoming pregnant, you should be tested.
HIV is transmitted through contact with contaminated blood so if you have shared a needle, had a blood transfusion prior to 1985 (or have a sexual partner who had a blood transfusion prior to 1985) or work in a high risk field such as healthcare, you should be tested. Many other STDs increase the likelihood of becoming infected with HIV, so if you have tested positive for another STD you should be tested.
A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm.
No fasting or other restrictions are necessary.