THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST

   Many people misunderstand blood tests used to detect HIV infection.  There is no AIDS test. The tests that are available indicate whether someone has antibodies to HIV.  If the tests are confirmed as positive, then the person tested has antibodies to HIV and is considered to have HIV infection.  If the tests are negative, no antibodies to HIV were found.  Ordinarily, a negative test result means that the person does not have HIV infection.

     It usually takes three to six months for people who have acquired HIV infection to develop enough antibody for the test to turn positive.  If they were tested too soon, before enough antibody developed, they would have an inaccurately negative (false negative) test.  Very rarely, it may take longer than six months  even years  for the test to turn positive.  So test results must always be interpreted in the context of a persons history of sexual and needle-using behaviors.

     Should you be tested?  If you feel there is a chance that you have acquired HIV infection, you should seriously consider testing. The Michigan Department of Community Health recommends that HIV testing be consider by anyone who meets any of the following:

·        People who have a sexually transmitted disease.

·        People who have shared needles or who have a history of drug abuse.

·        Men who have had sex with other men.

·        Men or women who have had unprotected sex with anyone whose HIV status is unknown. (unprotected sex means there has been an exchange of semen or vaginal secretions between the partners).

·        People who have had more than one sex partner.

·        People who have had sex with prostitutes (male or female).

·        People who received blood products or blood transfusions between 1978 and 1985.

·        People who exchange sex for drugs or money.

·        People who are infected with tuberculosis.

·        People who have had exposure to the blood of someone who may be infected.

·        People who have had sex with any person from the above list, particularly with injecting drug users.

·        Women who are pregnant or who are considering pregnancy.

·        Women who are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer.

     You cannot tell by looking at someone whether he or she has HIV.  The virus takes time to show its effects.  A person can have HIV for ten years or more before the symptoms of AIDS appear.  Anyone can have the virus without knowing it.  The only way to be sure, for yourself and your loved ones, is to take the test.  It is important to know that you have HIV infection as early as possible so that you and an expert health care provider can work together to preserve your health and reduce the chance of infecting others.

     The GVSU Campus Health Center is offering confidential  HIV Antibody blood testing   The cost is $21.00 and is done on a walk in basis.  Payment can be made at the time of service or applied to the students account (tuition bill).  The Campus Health Center located at 10383 42^nd Ave.and is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 4:30pm.  Call 331-2435 with further questions.