HIV Testing Positive Result
Description
This article is from the Health Articles series.
HIV Testing Positive Result
A positive result means antibodies to HIV were found in your blood. This means you have been exposed to the HIV infection. Your condition is called HIV-positive, or seropositive. You will most likely develop AIDS, but no one can know when you will get sick. Within ten years after infection, about half of untreated people have developed AIDS. However, prompt medical care may delay the onset of AIDS and prevent some life-threatening conditions. If your test result is positive, there are a number of important steps you should take immediately to protect your health.
See a doctor that has experience-treating people with HIV and is familiar with AIDS and HIV-related issues. Tell the doctor your test result and discuss immune system monitoring and treatment. Monitoring and appropriate medical action are the ways to slow the growth of HIV and to delay the onset of AIDS.
All of your present and past partners should be referred for counseling and testing. You have an important role to play in helping stop the spread of HIV. Telling people about your test result can be a very sensitive matter. You may want to discuss it with your testing counselor. They can assist you in telling your sex or drug-using partners. If you choose to tell your partners yourself, don't make accusations. Be prepared for partners to become upset or hostile. Urge them to be counseled and tested as soon as possible.
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, don't 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 or the CDC National AIDS Hotline (1-800-342-AIDS) to find out the nearest facility that offers confidential counseling and testing.
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 for HIV. 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.
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