Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

All persons infected with HIV can spread it to others through unprotected sex, needle sharing, and donating blood or other tissues. Infected mothers can also spread HIV to newborns. Testing for HIV infection is voluntary. Read this sheet carefully to help you decide whether to be tested or not.

This test detects antibodies to HIV, not the virus itself. Antibodies are the body's reaction to the virus.

A POSITIVE test means that a person is infected with HIV and can pass it to others. By itself, a positive test does not mean that a person has AIDS, which is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.

A NEGATIVE test means that antibodies to HIV were not detected. This usually means that the person is not infected with HIV. In some cases, however, the infection may have happened too recently for the test to turn positive. The blood test usually turns positive within 1 month after infection and in almost all cases within 3 months. Therefore, if you were infected very recently, a negative test result could be wrong.

False results (a negative test in someone who is infected, or a positive test in someone who is not infected) are rare. Indeterminate results (when it is unclear whether the test is positive or negative) also are rare. When a test result does not seem to make sense, a repeat test or special confirmatory tests may help to determine whether a person is or is not infected.

There are substantial benefits to being tested. Most infected persons may benefit from medications that delay or prevent AIDS and other serious infections. Test results also can help people make choices about contraception or pregnancy. Therefore, all infected persons should have a complete medical checkup, including tests of the immune system, to help their health care providers recommend the best health care.

There are other reasons to be tested. Even though everyone should follow safer sex guidelines whether or not they are infected with HIV, many persons find that knowing their test results helps them to protect their partners and themselves. Some persons want to know their test results before beginning a new sexual relationship or becoming pregnant. Others will be reassured by learning that they are not infected.

Many persons with positive or indeterminate test results will experience stress, anxiety, or depression. Some persons with negative tests may continue or increase unsafe behaviors, which would increase the risk of HIV infection. Some persons are afraid that their test results will get into the wrong hands, and that discrimination might result. (See Privacy and Confidentiality, below.) For these reasons, you should consider your social supports (such as family and friends) and your insurance needs before you are tested.

Many doctors keep a record of the health care services they provide to you. You may ask them to see and copy that record. You may also ask them to correct that record. They will not disclose your record to others unless you direct them to do so or unless the law authorizes or compels them to do so.

Washington State law requires that health care providers and laboratories report to the local health department the name of anyone infected with HIV. However, the report is coded and the name is destroyed after 90 days. No lists of names are maintained. Penalties for violations of the confidentiality laws are severe.

Anonymous HIV testing is available. If you do choose to test anonymously, your record will contain only your personal ID code. It will not show your name. To assure that results are provided only to the person who tested, you must confirm your identity with your personal ID code when you return or call for your test results.