Common Questions About AIDS, Testing
It hardly came as a surprise to those battling AIDS that the number of inquiries to AIDS hot lines increased dramatically after Earvin (Magic) Johnson’s announcement that he tested positive for the virus. But what is amazing, say hot line operators, is the ignorance still rampant about the disease and testing.
Here are some of the questions most commonly encountered:
Question: Who should consider being tested for exposure to the AIDS virus?
Answer: “Anyone who could possibly be at risk,” says Robert Schoonover, program manager of the Southern California HIV/AIDS Hotline. “By that I mean anyone who has shared needles or received blood products from surgery; anyone who has ever had unprotected sex, whether it be heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual.”
* Anyone who has had multiple sexual partners--either homosexual or heterosexual--or anyone who has had sexual contact with IV drug users should consider a test, says Dr. Joel Weisman, a Beverly Hills internist who co-wrote the first report on AIDS to the federal Centers for Disease Control.
* Anyone sexually active over the last 15 years, says Suzann Gage, a nurse practitioner and director of the AIDS Antibody Testing Service at Wholistic Health for Women in West Hollywood.
* Pregnant women, adds Dr. Mark Katz, a staff physician at Kaiser Permanente, West Los Angeles, and a member of the Los Angeles County AIDS Commission.
Q: How is the test done?
A: During the standard test, called the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV test, a small amount of blood is drawn from the arm for laboratory analysis.
Q: What does the test detect?
A: It looks for antibodies--special proteins made by the body to ward off a foreign protein--to the HIV. “When the virus gets into the body,” says Schoonover, “the body responds by producing antibodies to fight it off.”
Q: How soon after exposure to the virus does a test result show positive?
A: Experts disagree. Katz says the “window period”--the time lag between exposure and a positive reading--”is virtually always six months.” Weisman says it usually takes two weeks to six months, with the most common window period being six months. Some studies have suggested that the window period could be longer, but this possibility has not been proven by other research, Katz says. “Under 3% of people will take longer than six months,” Weisman says.
Q: When is the best time to have the test?
A: There’s no easy answer, experts say. Some people rush in for a test soon after unprotected sex. That decision is understandable, but they should consider a repeat test six months later, at the end of the window period.
People who test negative might also consider repeating the test a year after possible infection, some experts suggest, even if they do not engage in high-risk behavior.
Q: How accurate is the test?
A: It depends on when you take it. “If it’s been six months or more since possible infection, the test is very accurate,” says Schoonover. If the test is positive, a second test is done for confirmation.
Q: What does a positive test mean?
A: You have been infected with HIV and produced antibodies to this virus, says Katz. “It means that for all we know right now, you will remain infected with HIV for the rest of your life. However, this does not mean you have AIDS and it does not mean you will definitely get AIDS.” He adds: A person who is HIV-positive should not exchange bodily fluids with another person and should be monitored regularly.
Q: How soon after infection does AIDS develop?
A: No one can say for sure. Some experts now cite an average time lag of 10 years.
Q: What does the test cost?
A: Fees vary. The test is free at state-supported sites. Some test sites accept donations of $5 or $10. At private centers and doctors’ offices, fees range from $40 to $75 or more.
Q: Do you have to give your name for testing?
A: At anonymous test sites, clients are assigned individual code numbers. At confidential sites, clients give their names but testers agree not to release any information.
Q: How much time should you allow for the test?
A: The test itself takes just 10 or 15 minutes. But many test sites provide pre- and post-test counseling. Allow an hour.
Q: How long does it take to get results?
A: It depends on where you go. Some private centers offer results in 24 hours. At state-supported testing sites, results can take two weeks. Ideally, say experts, results should only be given in person, never over the telephone.
Q: How can you minimize your risk of AIDS?
A: Besides abstinence, experts advise safer sex practices. Use latex (not lambskin) condoms during intercourse. “It’s also a good idea not to have unprotected oral sex,” says Jordana Raiskin, director of the HIV test site at the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center in Hollywood. She suggests using an unlubricated latex condom or a dental dam during oral sex.
