Frequently Asked Questions

From Maricopa County Department of Public Health

What is HIV?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS. The virus attacks your immune system until it can no longer fight off diseases. You can get HIV if blood, semen, vaginal fluid or breast milk from an infected person gets into your blood.

How do I know if I have HIV?
The only way to know if you have HIV is to get an HIV antibody test. A blood test or an oral test will determine if you are infected with HIV.

Is everyone going to know I am being tested?
During the pre-test counseling session, you will have the option of testing confidentially or anonymously. Information about HIV testing is highly protected by the law so no one can get this information without your permission. Your counselor will explain the difference between testing confidentially or anonymously.

When should I be tested?
The most accurate time to be tested is at least 24 weeks from the time you think you may have become infected with HIV. People generally develop antibodies that can be detected within 12 weeks of becoming infected. However, it can take as long as 24 weeks for the antibodies to develop.

What is the counseling like and why do I need it?
Counseling gives you the opportunity to learn how to prevent and reduce the risk of getting HIV. The session also will provide you with helpful resources. The one-on-one session includes a personal risk assessment to help you understand how your behavior(s) may put you at risk and what prevention steps have or have not worked for you. The counselor amy give you ideas on how to reduce your risk and help you make a plan to decrease the risk of getting HIV or giving it to others. The counselor will then help you decide if you should be tested and help prepare you for the result. Counseling generally takes between 20 and 40 minutes and cannot be waived, even if you've been tested before.

How long does it take to get test results?
It takes two weeks to get test results if you choose the standard testing procedure. However, for a special handling fee of $20 you can get your results in four working days. This option is only available at the Public Health Center, 1825 E. Roosevelt, Phoenix, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays and between 8 a.m. and Noon on Wednesdays. Please call 506-1678 for an appointment.

How do I get the results?
Results are given in person, by appointment, in a private counseling session with the person tested only. If you tested or anonymously, you must present your lab slip before results can be given to you.

What does a negative test result mean?
If your first HIV test is negative, it means you had no detectable HIV antibodies at the time you were tested. However, if you were only recently exposed to the virus, your result may be negative even though you may be infected. A negative result does not mean your partner is negative or that you will not become infected in the future if you are exposed to the virus.

What does a positive test result mean?
If your first test is positive, a second test using the same blood sample will be performed to confirm the first result. If the second test also is positive, an additional confirmatory test will be performed to make sure your results were not "false-positive." If the third test is positive, it means you are infected with HIV. However, it does not mean that you have AIDS. The average time from HIV infection to an AIDs diagnosis by a physician is usually seven to 15 years. A positive HIV result also means that you can pass the virus to others unless you take certain precautions.

Do I have to tell others that I am HIV positive?
It is important that previous sex and needle-use partners be informed to prevent the further spread of HIV and to give those individuals you may have infected the opportunity for early intervention services. You can choose to tell them, or a health department advisor will do it for you without using your name.