Testing for HIV infection

Testing for HIV infection

Once a person has been exposed to HIV, the body begins to produce antibodies to try to fight off the virus. A blood test will tell if someone has these antibodies. If so, it means that the person has come in contact with the virus and has been infected. However, it can take up to six months after the infection for the antibodies to show up in the blood, so a negative test result doesn't necessarily mean that a person is in the clear. Remember, the test only tells whether someone has been infected with the virus; it does not mean that the person has AIDS.

The HIV test should always include counselling to help people understand the results, how to protect their own health, and how to keep from spreading the infection.

People who are HIV-positive (that is, people who have been infected with the virus) may look and feel well for years. Even during this time though, they can pass the virus to others.