Here's How:
Decide how you want to get tested. Do you want to see your family doctor, visit a health clinic, or you buy a home testing kit and send the results into a lab?
Make sure that you will get pre-test counseling where ever you choose to get tested. Counseling provides you with important information, like what to do if you test positive, and how to stay negative if you don't.
If you decide to visit a clinic, you'll need to find one in your area. City and state Departments of Health often offer free or low cost HIV testing. You can look in the phone book, or online, for "teen clinics," "health clinics," or "HIV testing sites." Another option is to call the Centers for Disease Control HIV Testing Hotline at: 800-342-2437 for testing locations.
If you choose to go to your doctor, call up and make an appointment. Be clear about why you are coming in and ask about their confidentiality policy regarding teen clients. Though it is illegal to reveal someone's HIV test results, it is best to confirm that your doctor is aware that this protection extends to teens.
If you have a preference for oral testing,ask if your doctor can provide it.
Home tests are the least reliable way to get tested because some tests are more accurate and of better quality than others. However, if you decide to use a home test, it is best to talk to a pharmacist in person to find out which test is the best. Though testing kits can be ordered online, it is harder to tell which are the most reliable.
Whatever the result of your test, make sure to have post-test counseling.
Tips:
Ask questions before you decide where to get tested. Here are some important ones:
- Will the test be anonymous (that means you don't even give your name) or will it be confidential (that means that you give your name, but the results of the test will not be shared with anyone)?
- Will it be a blood test or an oral test?
- How long will you have to wait to get results?
- Is testing free or is there a cost? If you have insurance, will it cover testing?
While some testing centers offer rapid, same day test results, others cannot give you results for a week or two. Waiting can be stressful and you might want to confide in someone you trust for support.
If your results are negative continue to practice safer sex by using condoms and other barriers.
If the result is positive, seek support! The Adolescent AIDS Program website is a good place to start.
