Frequently Asked Questions: HIV/AIDS

What many people call the "AIDS test" is not a test for AIDS, but for antibodies to the virus that cause AIDS- the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The immune system reacts to the HIV infection by producing antibodies that fight HIV. The test detects these antibodies. Therefore, the test is accurately called the "HIV Antibody Test".

A "negative" result indicates the absence of HIV antibodies at the time of the test. A "negative" test result means that either you do not have HIV infection or that you do have HIV infection, but have not yet developed antibodies. A "negative" test result does not mean that you are immune to HIV infection, or that you cannot become infected with HIV in the future.

A "positive" result indicates the presence of HIV antibodies. A confirmed "positive" result means that the person has been infected with HIV and probably will remain infected. A "positive" result is not a diagnosis for AIDS. HIV infection is the beginning stage of HIV disease, with AIDS being the last stage of the disease.

Deciding whether or not to be tested can be complicated. It is a personal decision that should be made only after you understand what the results mean. If you are considering being tested, it is important to talk with a counselor or health care provider. Nurses at Watkins Health Center are trained in HIV counseling as are educators in the Health Promotion department. Contact an educator at 785.864.9570 if you have questions about HIV Antibody Testing.

You should wait to be tested at least 6 weeks and preferably six months after the possible exposure to HIV. If you get tested six weeks after the possible exposure, you should have a repeat test in six months. A false-negative test is one that fails to detect HIV antibodies in the blood of the person who actually has HIV infection. This usually happens when someone gets tested before antibodies to HIV have appeared in the blood. It takes six weeks to six months for antibodies to appear. Very rarely, it takes even longer than six months to develop antibodies; therefore, your testing counselor or health care provider mayrecommend repeat testing in certain situations.

Why should women in particular be concerned about HIV and AIDS? AIDS is the third leading cause of death among women ages 25-44, and the single leading cause of death among African American women in this age group. Also, women accounted for 22% of all new AIDS cases among adults and adolescents in 1997. And the number of women becoming infected is steadily increasing each year.