Tests for HIV detect the presence of HIV antibodies in a person’s blood and not the virus itself.

These tests can be done in various ways:

- In a laboratory and it is then called an Eliza test.

- A rapid test is done on the spot with a special test kit.

Both these tests are very sensitive and reliable.

Between the onset of HIV infection and the appearance of antibodies in the blood, there is a window period. During this period the test will be negative although the person is already infected with the virus. Recently kits with rapid tests have become available. These tests are easy to use and results are available within a few Minutes but they are not as reliable.

If a blood sample tests positive for HIV, it must always be followed by another test. Only after 2 different tests come up positive can we say that a person is HIV+.

Because HIV tests are so sensitive a positive test will sometimes come up while there is no HIV antibodies in the blood. This is known as a false positive. Because of this, all positive results must be confirmed by another test method. If the second test is also positive it means that the individual is HIV+.

A false negative result occurs when the blood tested gives a negative result for HIV antibodies when in fact the person is infected, and the result should have been positive. The likelihood of a false negative result must be discussed with the patient during the pre-test counselling session if the history suggests that they have engaged in risky sexual behaviour which was likely to put them at risk for HIV infection.

In this situation, repeated testing over time may be necessary before they can be reassured that they are not infected with HIV. The most frequent reason for a false negative result is a test done during the window period before the person has antibodies. It is important to remember that someone who has tested negative because they are not infected with HIV can become infected the following day if they indulge in risky sexual behaviour!

Before any HIV test is done, pre- and post-test counselling must be available. All people taking a HIV test must give informed consent prior to being tested. The result of the test must be kept absolutely confidential. However, shared confidentiality or disclosure is encouraged. Shared confidentiality refers to confidentiality that is shared with others. These “others” might include family members, loved ones, care givers and trusted friends.

Voluntary counselling and testing or VCT is the availability of testing facilities for all people who want to know their HIV status.

The main benefits are:

If the tests are negative:
	It is an incentive to stay negative and modify sexual behaviour to prevent any risky sexual behaviour in the future.
If the tests are positive:
	They can plan for the future
	Make arrangements for the care of their children: - financially by making a will and socially by making sure somebody will care for them after the death of their parents.
	People have time to come to peace with their HIV status and learn to cope with it emotionally
	If a woman is pregnant she can make sure she gets antiretroviral treatment to prevent infection of her baby
	People can care for themselves better. They can make sure they eat well and exercise regularly. They know to get help early for the management of opportunistic infections e.g. TB, STI etc.
	Patients can access preventative therapy e.g. flu vaccines and contraception.
	Patients can consider the possibility of taking ARV therapy.
	They can get social and peer support from others who are also HIV+.
	They can become involved in community programmes where they can play a role in behaviour change by talking to other about risky sexual behaviour.
	It normalizes the disease: it is just another illness that can be manage and people can learn to live and cope with. If HIV+ people know their status and talk about it, the stigma around the disease will go away.
Reasons people do not go for VCT:
	People do not understand the benefits of knowing their HIV status
	They are concerned about confidentiality and job security, specially if they do not know their rights within the working environment
	Because of the stigma attached to being HIV+
	Fear of discrimination, violence and abuse from family and community
	Fear of a positive result
	Ignorance
What does the test entail?
It is a blood test taken to test for HIV antibodies. If the antibodies are present it means the virus is there too. It is the only sure way to determine your HIV status.
A counsellor will speak to you before the test. You have the right to counselling before and after the test.
If you are HIV negative how to keep your status negative. It takes up to two to three months after becoming infected for the antibodies to develop and show up in a test. It may need to be repeated if the test was too soon. Do not assume you are not infected until you had a confirmed result.
	Stay negative
	Know the facts about HIV/AIDS
	Treat any STD's immediately
	Talk to your partners about HIV/AIDS
	Use condoms every time you have sex
	Be faithful to one uninfected faithful partner
	Explore other ways to have sex (thigh sex, masturbation alone or with your partner)

If you test positive what you need to do to live a healthier and longer life. A positive result cannot tell you when you will develop AIDS. It will give you the opportunity to have your immune system monitored and to receive treatment which help to slow down the progression of HIV infection and protect you from other infections.

We perform HIV/AIDS testing and counselling are performed by trained and professional counsellors do pre-test as well as post-test counselling. No results are given telephonically.

Patients preferring to stay anonymous, may do so. We also offer advice to individuals recently diagnosed with HIV. If medical assistance is required, we refer to doctors specializing in the treatment of HIV positive persons.

The service includes pre- and post-test counselling as well as a laboratory investigation. We have access to HIV/DNA testing. This test is for the DNA of the virus, two weeks after possible exposure.

HIV Rapid Test

HIV PCR