I'm HIV positive
Key points
- Anonymous and Confidential use the same testing method.
- It is recommended that one have an anonymous test.
- For up to 10 years after being infected, your infection will go through an asymptomatic period where you feel perfectly healthy.
- If I test positive, does that mean that I will die?
What is the difference between an Anonymous and a Confidential Test?
Anonymous and Confidential use the same testing method. The only difference is one does not have your name attached to the results.
Anonymous antibody testing is available at Anonymous Test Sites in most California counties. Anonymous testing means that absolutely no one has access to your test results since your name is never recorded at the test site.
Confidential antibody testing means that you and the health care provider know your results, which may be recorded in your medical file.
Which test should I have done: Anonymous or Confidential?
It is recommended that one have an anonymous test. The results will only be known to you and will not appear on any records.
Some reasons that one would need a confidential test would be: a result is required for immigration purposes or for some international travel visas; a pregnant woman who is clearly at risk might choose to be tested through her doctor, rather than anonymously, since the result is of key importance to the course of her medical care.
Asymptomatic Period
For up to 10 years after being infected, your infection will go through an asymptomatic period where you feel perfectly healthy. During this time, the HIV virus replicates within your body and starts to break down your immune system.
Some men complain of severely swollen lymph nodes (in the neck, or groin, or both) during this time, but this may be one of the only HIV symptoms men will experience.
I have heard there are many different types of HIV tests. How do I know which one I should take?
The combination of an Eliza/Western Blot HIV Antibody Test is the accepted testing method for HIV infection. This combination test is looking for the antibodies that develop to fight the HIV virus. There are two ways to conduct this test. Either through a blood draw or through the "Orasure" method (a sample of oral mucus obtained with a specially treated cotton pad that is placed between the cheek and lower gum for two minutes). Both forms, by blood draw or orally, have the same accuracy with their results.
Other tests that you will hear about are Viral Load tests. These tests are used by physicians to monitor their patients who have already tested positive for HIV antibodies. Viral Load tests are very costly and should not be used to determine if one is HIV positive.
What do test results mean?A positive result means:
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
Explore health topics
More in this topic
Infections, HIV & STIs →
NewsHIV-Positive Minorities and Poor Get Little Outpatient Care
In a first-of-its-kind study, UCLA researchers have shown that segments of the HIV-infected population who have little to no consistent outpatient medical care - and yet are most in need of such services - are…
27 October 2006
NewsClinton Foundation trains HIV-positive people in Lesotho to assist medical workers
The Clinton Foundation's HIV/AIDS Initiative has trained 10 HIV-positive people in Lesotho to help doctors, nurses and pharmacists cope with treating people with HIV/AIDS in a country with a severe shortage of health…
24 October 2006
NewsStraight HIV-positive men often put women at risk
Many HIV-positive men sometimes have unprotected sex with women who are either HIV-negative or whose HIV status is unknown to them, according to a study conducted in New York City. The findings also show that risky…
23 August 2006
