Understanding test results
A positive result means that a person has been infected with HIV and can infect others through exposing them to infection body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk).
A negative result can mean:
- A person has not been infected with HIV; or
- The person has been infected within the window period. This is the period when the anti-bodies that have been produced by the body are not yet showing in the blood. It can take up to 6 months for anti-bodies to show, but most people start showing them after about 3 months.
Post-test counselling
In post-test counselling, clients need to deal with the reality of their situation, and have a clear understanding of what their results mean and the options that are available to them.
Post-test counselling includes:- Listening to the client’s concerns about his/her results
- Focusing on the person’s feelings and how the result may affect their lives
- Helping clients make a plan for action for the future
LifeLine will help you face your results, and we will work together to find the way forward, no matter what your result.