It is extremely important to know your HIV status. This will prevent further spreading of the virus and early treatment of the virus if the test has a positive result.
The HIV test tells if a person has HIV, by either testing for the antibody, or for the virus itself. It is usually a blood test and can be done at a hospital or clinic. There are also some AIDS organisations that offer testing.
Pre-test counselling
The purpose of pre-test counselling is to provide information to someone who wants to take an HIV test.
Pre-test counselling includes:
- Finding out the person’s reasons for testing
- Measure the possible risk of HIV infection
- Exploring and correcting beliefs and knowledge about HIV infection and safer sex
- Providing information on how the test is done
- Dealing with the anticipation of the test results
- Guaranteeing confidentiality of the test results
- Getting informed consent
- Providing education on the giving of results and ongoing support
- Educating on the waiting period for results
LifeLine has a number of VTC (Voluntary testing and counselling) centres where you can come in to receive pre-test counselling and be tested.