Commonly asked Questions about HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing

Here are some answers you may have about HIV-antibody counseling and testing.

1. "Why get tested?"

   If you know you are infected, you can take steps to protect your health and the health of others. There are clear benefits to early treatment, even though there is no cure for HIV infection. Medical options, including medications and other approaches, can help slow the infection and delay or prevent life-threatening conditions.

2. "I think I recently placed myself at risk of infection with HIV. Should I get counseled and tested right away?"

   Yes. If you get infected with HIV, tests may not detect it until a few weeks after infection. The test detects HIV antibodies in your blood. If you are infected, your body takes time to make enough antibodies for the test to measure. It can take as little as 2 weeks. But it might take several months. Nearly all infected people develop antibodies within 3 months of infection. For some persons it may take up to 6 months. If you think you placed yourself at risk for HIV infection, you should get counseling, and, until you know you are not infected, you should protect others as if you were infected.

3. "Does it take long to get an appointment to be counseled and tested?"

   It depends on where you live. Some counseling and testing facilities can schedule appointments very quickly. Others may take a few weeks. Call your local health department to find out.

4. "How much does HIV counseling and testing cost?"

   Most publicly funded sites are free or require only a minimum fee. If you go to your doctor for counseling and testing, the cost can vary. In some areas, it can be more than $200. You can ask the cost beforehand.

5. "When I had bloodtests done for my physical, marriage license, or insurance, was I tested for HIV antibodies? Do hospitals routinely test for HIV infection?"

   You should not assume that your blood was tested for HIV antibodies. If you are concerned, ask your health care provider what tests will be done whenever you have blood taken. If you are still concerned, ask specifically if your blood was or will be tested for HIV antibodies.

6. "If I'm pregnant or thinking about having a baby, should I be counseled and tested?"

   If you or your sex or drug partner have engaged in behaviors that can transmit HIV, you should get counseling and testing. If you test positive you should be aware that without treatment there is a one-in-four chance that you will pass the virus to your unborn baby. Medical treatment can reduce this to about 1 chance in 12. If you are already pregnant, you should tell your health care provider that you tested positive. This will help your provider care for you and your baby during and after the pregnancy.

7. "What if my insurance company wants me to take a test?"

   An insurance company may require that you be tested for HIV infection if you apply for a health or life policy. You have the right not to take the test. You must choose whether to take the test or find an insurer who will not ask you to do so. If the test is required, either to determine if you will be covered or to set the rates, you may wish to be tested anonymously or confidentially first.

8. "Will my insurer find out if I test positive?"

   Your insurer will know you took the test if you pay for the test through insurance. Insurers can find out your test result only if you release it. On some insurance forms, your signature authorizes release of medical records. If you are concerned, do not sign medical release forms unless you know their purpose. You may also choose to be counseled and tested at a facility separate from your health care provider. These facilities include publicly-funded testing sites, sexually transmitted disease clinics, and family planning clinics. Call your health department of the CDC National AIDS Hotline (1-800-342-AIDS) to find out the nearest facility that offers confidential counseling and testing.

9. "Does the Government keep track of those who test positive?"

   The U.S. Public Health Service does not record or collect names of people who test positive. The state health departments that do collect names treat this information as highly confidential. Most states have laws against releasing confidential information without permission. Call your state or local health department to find out the laws in your state.

10. "Even though I tested negative, why do I have symptoms?"

    See a doctor about your symptoms. They are most likely caused by something other than HIV infection. Early symptoms of HIV infection can be the same as those of many other diseases that occur in people who are not infected with HIV. If you test negative and still think you might be infected, consider retesting. If you test negative again, and you have not engaged in behavior that can transmit HIV in the past 6 months, you are probably not infected with HIV.

11. "My partner tested negative. That means I'm not infected, right?"

    Your partner's test does not always tell your status. The only way to know whether you are infected is to have your own test.

12. "Can I continue to work if I have HIV infection?"

    Yes, you can continue working if you have HIV infection. HIV cannot be spread by contact that does not involve blood, semen, or vaginal secretions. Many years after infection, some people still have no symptoms and continue to work productively. In the later stages of HIV infection, illness may cause you to be too sick to work. It depends on your health and your job duties.

13. "How can I find a doctor who will treat me?"

    Call your local medical society. They should be able to refer you to a doctor who will help you. For additional help, you can contact a local AIDS organization. The people there may be able to help you find a doctor who is experienced with HIV and AIDS-related issues. For the telephone number of these organizations, call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National AIDS Hotline at 1-800-342-AIDS; Spanish 1-800-344-7432; Deaf Access 1-800-243-7889 (TTY).

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.