Creekside Family Health Clinic / Quality Health Care, Ketchikan, Alaska

HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) TEST $50.00

What is it?

A human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test detects antibodies to HIV. This determines whether an HIV infection is present (HIV-positive). HIV infects white blood cells called CD4+ cells, which are part of the body's immune system that help fight infections. HIV causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a long-term chronic disease that can be fatal.

After the original infection, it takes between 2 weeks and 6 months for antibodies to HIV to appear in the blood. The period between becoming infected with HIV and the point at which antibodies to HIV can be detected in the blood is called the seroconversion or "window" period. During this period, an HIV-infected person can still spread the disease, even though a test will not detect any antibodies in his or her blood.

Why do I need it?

A test for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is done to:

Detect an HIV infection. Testing is often done for people with risk factors for HIV infection and people who have symptoms of an HIV infection.
Screen blood, blood products, and organ donors, to prevent the spread of HIV.
Screen pregnant women for HIV infection. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends all pregnant women be screened. Pregnant women who are infected with HIV and receive treatment are less likely to pass the infection on to their babies than are women who do not receive treatment.
Find out if a child born to an HIV-positive woman also is infected with HIV.

What do I do with the results?

If you have tested positive for HIV, you should see your primary care physician for a referral to an Infectious Disease physician or seek information from your local health department.