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June 27, 2012 is National HIV Testing DayChattanooga CARES provides FREE and confidential rapid HIV testing by appointment Monday-Friday. The rapid test takes 20 minutes using only a small drop of blood from your finger or by using an oral swab. Test results are given immediately and all HIV tests are completely confidential. When a person is infected with HIV, their body responds by producing special proteins that fight infection, called antibodies. An HIV test is an antibody test that looks for these antibodies in blood, saliva or urine. If antibodies to HIV are detected, it means a person has been infected with HIV. Anyone interested in getting tested needs to calculate the last time she or he participated in a risky behavior (having sex without a latex or polyurethane condom or sharing needles) and wait at least 4 weeks before getting tested. Most people develop detectable HIV antibodies within 4 to 12 weeks of infection. In very rare cases, it can take up to 6 months and there are nearly always very particular reasons for antibodies developing so late such as other auto-immune disorders. It is exceedingly unlikely that someone would take longer than 6 months to develop antibodies. To schedule a FREE rapid HIV test call: For more information regarding HIV testing check out the Centers for Disease Control web site http://cdc.gov Note: When engaging in risky behavior, becoming infected with other Sexually Transmitted Infections is possible. Being infected with another STD greatly increases your chances of HIV infection. Chattanooga CARES highly recommends a full STD screening from your primary care physician or the Hamilton County Health Department if any risky behavior has taken place. Hamilton County Health Department |
