Where to get an HIV/AIDS Test Done
AIDS testing is a very simple process and can usually be done at your local or state health department. Family planning clinics, community clinics and other AIDS testing organizations also offer AIDS testing in the larger, metropolitan areas. You can also get AIDS testing done by your personal physician; some people are uncomfortable with this. Donating blood is another way to get AIDS testing done, as all blood is tested before being sent onto the blood bank. However, it could be quite a while before you receive your results.
How AIDS Testing is Done
Most AIDS testing is done by drawing a sample of your blood. This is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Some places are also now offering AIDS testing through the use of your cheek scrapings or urine. These types of AIDS testing will yield results anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
There is also another AIDS testing possibility called the Rapid HIV Test. This type of AIDS testing has been used for a couple of years and it can have your results in as little as ten to thirty minutes. If you test positive through one of these Rapid HIV tests, you will probably need to take the regular laboratory tests.
Using an HIV Home Test Kit for AIDS Testing
There is also an HIV home test kit now available on the market. This HIV home test kit does not actually test for HIV, but allows for someone to collect a sample of their blood, while in their own home. Each HIV home test kit comes with instructions and illustrations to help you take the test correctly. The HIV home test kit is then sent to a laboratory. Within a few days the results from this HIV home test kit are available. The HIV home test kits also provide specific instructions on how to call back to get your test results. You are identified only by a specific number, which comes with the HIV home test kit.
Many of the companies now offering HIV home test kits also provide counseling and support services after you receive your test results. While these HIV home test kits allow for anonymity, it is not legal everywhere. However, there is only one HIV home test kit that is currently approved by the FDA, and that is the Home Access Express HIV-1 Test System manufactured by Home Access Health Corporation. This HIV home test kit is available at many stores such as Wal-mart, Walgreen’s, and CVS.
No matter how which test you take, the most important thing is that you get AIDS testing. Not only will you know if you are positive for HIV antibodies and can seek treatment options, you can take action to prevent spreading HIV to others.