SayPro SCREENING FOR HIV

HIV testing is a critically important part of the overall fight against the HIV/Aids epidemic in South Africa, says Dr Avron Urison of AllLife.

Given the nature of the HIV epidemic, it is recommended that all adult South Africans undergo an HIV screening test annually. In addition, if a person believes that they may have become infected, it is very important that they make contact with their healthcare provider immediately, in order to discuss risk and make plans to test as soon as possible.

People who consider themselves as engaging in risky behaviour are also advised to get tested at least once a year. In some cases a healthcare provider may advise patients to undergo an HIV test based on their own assessment of an individual’s health.

It is very important to note that testing for HIV too soon after potential exposure to the virus may not give an accurate result, due to what is known as the window period. A window period refers to the period of time during which HIV is not detected by tests, even if the virus has entered the body. During this time, a test may give a ‘false negative’ result.

Different types of tests

Different types of tests have varying window periods. To be sure of how long a person needs to wait, they should also always discuss the nature of the HIV test with a healthcare worker before getting tested. If a person is not sure of the date or time of their potential exposure to HIV, a healthcare worker will be able to advise appropriately on their HIV testing.

The ‘window period’ for an antibody test is estimated to be three months after exposure to HIV infection. A negative test at three months will almost always mean a person is not infected with HIV. If an individual’s test is still negative at six months, and they have not been at risk of HIV infection in the meantime, it means they are not infected with HIV.

Prior to HIV screening, a person should undergo pre HIV test counselling. The main purpose of pre-test counselling is to establish informed consent for the HIV test. The benefits of testing and knowing your status will be discussed as well as a clear indication of how the results will be given.  Additional issues which may be discussed are:

• Benefits of knowing HIV status and treatment possibilities
• Risk and lifestyle
• What tests are available and which test is recommended
• The window period for testing
• The difference between HIV and Aids
• Confidentiality