HIV Testing
Overview:
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. This is the virus that
causes AIDS. HIV is different from most other viruses because it
attacks the immune system. The immune system gives our bodies the
ability to fight infections. HIV finds and destroys a type of white
blood cell (T cells or CD4 cells) that the immune system must have
to fight disease.
Once HIV enters the body, the body starts to produce antibodies—substances the immune system creates after infection. Most HIV tests look for these antibodies rather than the virus itself. There are many different kinds of HIV tests, including rapid tests and home test kits. All HIV tests approved by the US government are very good at finding HIV.
What many people called the "AIDS" test is not a test for AIDS, but for the antibodies of HIV. Once infected with HIV, the immune system produces antibodies in an attempt to defend itself against HIV. The test identifies these antibodies. Therefore the test is accurately called the "HIV antibody test".
If you are thinking about an HIV test, ask yourself: Have you ever--
- Had sex with someone who may have been exposed to HIV?
- Failed to use condoms or latex dams correctly for every sex act or with every partner, including oral sex behaviors?
- Shared needles?
- Had more than one sex partner?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, there is a chance you could be infected with HIV. An HIV antibody test should be accurate within three months after your last unsafe experience. The questions above are similar to those you will be asked in your pre-test counseling session before your HIV test. You also might want to get tested if you are in a committed, mutually monogamous relationship in which you and your partner want to safely engage in unprotected sex.
What TSHC Can Do For You:
The Thielen Student Health Center offers confidential HIV antibody
testing on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4 pm. This is a
walk-in testing site; you do not need an appointment. However,
there may be a wait to be seen if many people are ahead of you,
which is rare. The test we administer here is OraSure, an oral
swab in the mouth; no blood is taken. Results are available in two
weeks.
Resources:
- US Center for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Web MD:
For more information, please contact:
Ray Rodriguez, CHES, Health Promotion Coordinator
Thielen Student Health Center
515-294-2722
Revised 08/2007
