WHY IS TESTING FOR HIV SO IMPORTANT?

By getting tested for HIV, you are able to improve your overall health if tested positive.
Knowing if you are positive for HIV allows for new transmissions of the infection to be avoided(CDC FACT SHEET).

Who should get tested?

According to CDC, centers for disease control and prevention, anyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get tested at least once in their lifetime as part of a regular health care check-up(“Getting Tested | Testing | HIV Basics | HIV/AIDS | CDC”).
Those individuals who are considered “high risk” like homosexual or bisexual men, should be tested on a regular basis(“Getting Tested | Testing | HIV Basics | HIV/AIDS | CDC”).

What happens if I am HIV positive?

If you are HIV positive DO NOT PANIC. The fact that you tested is the beginning  of your  treatment and care process. Having the correct and effective treatment plan will allow for you to live a long healthy life, if you are not diagnosed to late down the road. Being diagnosed too far down the road may lead to the diagnosis of AIDS, which could cause a less effective treatment plan(“Understanding a Positive Result | Testing | HIV Basics | HIV/AIDS | CDC”). DO NOT WAIT TO GET TESTED!

Testing positive for HIV, and early detection not only benefits you, but will also benefit your partner from the infection. How? By reducing the transmission of HIV to your partner(“Understanding a Positive Result | Testing | HIV Basics | HIV/AIDS | CDC”).

What are the different types of HIV tests available?

1. ANTIBODY TEST

   1. This test is performed by drawing blood of the infected person, or by oral fluids(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

2. COMBINATION ANTIGEN-ANTIBODY TEST

   1. This test looks for antibodies and antigens that are presented in the infected person by drawing blood. This is the most common test performed in the U.S.

   2. A rapid antigen-antibody test may also be performed. (see Ora-Quick below)(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

3. NUCLEIC ACID TEST (NAT)

   1. This test is performed by drawing blood from a person, and it detects if the individual is HIV positive or not, as well as showing the viral load present in the affected person. In other words, it detects the amount of virus that is present in the infected individuals blood.(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

4. IN-HOME HIV TEST (OraQuick)

   1. This test is the only FDA approved self test available. It uses oral fluids from the cheeks to screen for HIV antibodies. If the test is positive, one of the above 3 lab tests would then need to be performed  (Commissioner).

   2. You may go to www.oraquick.com to find a retailer near you where you can purchase this test.

Where can I get tested?

First things first, ask your primary care provider (PCP) for HIV testing near you. You may also go to gettested.cdc.gov which allows you to put in your zip code and it will give you a list of testing centers near you, or you can call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information as well.
HIV self testing kits may be available at a pharmacy near you

SOME TESTING CENTERS AND FREE CONDOM LOCATIONS IN SOUTH FLORIDA

1. Planned parenthood

8900 sw 117th ave unit 207-b

Miami,FL 

33186

1. Florida Health Miami Dade County

2515 W. Flagler st.

Miami,FL 

33135

1. Safe Lab Center

951 S. Le Jeune Rd

Miami,FL

33134