We use advanced technology which tests for HIV1 and HIV2, including subtypes - The most comprehensive HIV/AIDS antibody panel obtainable

An HIV test determines whether someone has been infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). You cannot obtain treatment for HIV infection unless you know if you are infected, and you cannot know if you are infected unless you take an HIV test.

HIV infection is spread in several different ways. These include having unprotected sex, sharing injection drug equipment such as needles, or getting a blood transfusion from someone who is infected with HIV. If you become HIV-infected, you may not feel sick right away. But after a number of years, if antiretroviral (anti-HIV) therapy is not started, you almost certainly will develop AIDS, which is the advanced stage of HIV disease. You can also potentially infect other people with the virus by having unprotected sex, sharing needles, or donating blood.

You should have an HIV test performed if you are at risk for HIV infection. If you have had sex with someone who might have been infected with HIV, if you have used needles to inject drugs, or if you received a blood transfusion between the years 1978 and 1985, then there is a chance that you could be infected with HIV. The chances are greater if you had sex with many people, or without using condoms, or if you have shared needles with people. In addition, if you or any of your sex partners have ever had sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis, herpes simplex infection, gonorrhea, chlamydia infection, or pelvic inflammatory disease ("PID"), then you are also at risk for HIV infection.

When a person first becomes infected with HIV, he or she will usually experience flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, body aches, nausea, enlarged lymph nodes, and fatigue. These symptoms will quickly go away. Many people experience no symptoms whatsoever after the initial bout with the "flu". He or she can remain completely asymptomatic until the body's immune system can no longer protect the person against the serious opportunistic infections associated with AIDS. Antiretrovirals such as protease inhibitor regimens can actually prevent HIV from progressing into AIDS, thus allowing the person to live a long and healthy life! That is why it is so important to be tested and, if positive, seek treatment as soon as possible. AIDS is no longer the death sentence it once was!

You will receive telephone counseling as part of the HIV test procedure. Counseling means that we will answer your questions and offer you general advice about the risks and benefits of the HIV test and about your particular concerns. All of your questions will be answered before taking the test, and you should feel free to change your mind at any time about being tested.

You will be counseled after receiving your test result, whether it is negative or positive. If the test is negative, you should discuss ways to continue to prevent exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. If the test is positive, ask questions. We will provide you with telephone numbers of HIV/AIDS service organizations and hotlines that can provide you with support and educational information. It is also very important to see a doctor, preferably one whom you already know. If you do not have one, we will provide referrals to providers who have experience treating people with HIV infection. To determine how far your HIV disease has progressed and the best strategy for treatment, your doctor will perform additional tests, such as a CD4 cell ("T-cell") count and viral load titer.

Remember, taking the HIV test is only the first step in dealing with HIV infection. Whether your test is positive or negative, there are many things that you can do to maintain good health. A wide variety of effective therapies are now available to slow the progression of HIV disease, to treat and prevent complications, and to decrease its spread to others.