Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Updated : February 11, 2015 8:40 PM IST
December 1 is World AIDS Day.
AIDS/HIV is a detrimental health condition which can be prevented with proper awareness. However, one of the key steps to beat the disease is getting tested. It can be a very nerve-wrecking time, so to help give you that extra nudge in the right direction, here are answers to some of the common questions you might have about getting tested.
The test is simple and involves a simple blood test. Your blood is then tested first using a rapid test and then an ELISA or Western blot test to confirm a positive result. Here are 33 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about HIV.
Where can I get tested?
There are a number of government-run testing centres in all the metro cities and smaller towns as well. These centres have the provision for pre-testing counselling and post result counselling. You may even talk to the counsellor right after the test has been performed. Most importantly the results of this test are kept confidential and will be revealed only to you.
Government run integrated testing and counselling centres :
Hospitals in Mumbai[1] | Contact details |
| J Group of Hospital, Dept. of Microbiology | Tel: 23710234, e-mail: Cd4jjh@gmail.com |
| LTMMC & LTMG Hospital | Tel. 24015974, e-mail: Ltmghm.ictc@gmail.com |
| T N Medical College & BYL Nair Hospital | Tel. 23081490-96 (Ext. 151/154), e-mail: Bylnarim.ictc@gmail.com |
| Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital | Tel. 24107825, e-mail: Prm.kem@gmail.com |
| Dr. R.N. Cooper Hospital | Tel: 022 2620 7254 |
| Hospitals in Delhi | Contact details |
| Dr B.S Ambedkar Hospital | Tel: 27055717 |
| Hospitals in Bangalore | Contact details |
| Jayanagar General Hospital | 080- 22445711 |
| Hospitals in Chennai | Contact details |
| Madras medical college | 044 - 2530 5000 |
There are many more testing centres all over India. All you need to do is visit your nearest government hospital for integrated testing and counselling. (Read: World AIDS Day 2013: Watch out for HIV-tainted blood, needles)
When can I get the test done?
You should get the test done preferably at least three months after you think you have been exposed to the virus, since this is the window period (when the body does not show the presence of antibodies against the HIV virus) and one may test false positive during this time. You can get the test for HIV at any time in the day. There is no need to fast or take any special measures before the test. All it involves is a simple blood test or saliva sample. Just relax and let the technician take the sample required for the test. Read in detail about HIV diagnosis 5 tests to detect a recent HIV infection.
How much does the test cost?
The test is free in Government-run hospitals. You do not have to pay any fees when you get tested, or for any further care you might require. If you do test positive, you will not have to pay for the ART (Anti Retroviral Treatment), counselling or medical advice that you will receive thereafter in Government-run hospitals.
When will I get the results?
Today there are rapid antigen tests available that are simple and quick. The test takes only about 20 minutes to give results. Once this test is done, depending on your results negative or positive a confirmatory test will be done. This is usually a Western blot test or ELISA test, for which you will get the results in a few weeks. Here are 9 factors that increase your risk for HIV.
What should I do after I get my results?
After you get your results, if they are negative, you may go back to your life. But remember that you must retest if you have not taken the test after the window period or if you indulge in risky behaviour after taking the test.
If you test positive, do visit the counsellor and doctor who will be present in the clinic. They will tell you about the precautions you will have to take, lifestyle changes you will have to make, and medication or ART therapy you will need. It is essential that you get the right medical treatment as soon as you test positive in order to live a wholesome life.
Finally, remember that testing positive is not a death sentence. HIV is a deadly disease but is manageable, if you get tested in time and get the right treatment you can live a long and fruitful life. (Read: 11 things about HIV/AIDS you didn t know).
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
Image Source: Getty Images
For more articles on diseases & conditions, visit our diseases & conditionssection. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.
