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African Communities

I’m African, do I need an HIV test?


There are many advantages to knowing your HIV status.  It’s better to know.

 

You should consider having an HIV test if you think you may have been exposed to HIV through any of the following ways...
unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal or anal) without using condoms
exposure to unscreened blood or blood products (Note: New Zealand blood is screened)
using contaminated drug injecting equipment (“fits”).
You should also consider having an HIV test if you are:
planning to have a child
currently pregnant
entering into any new sexual relationship
married or in a relationship and concerned that your husband/wife or partner may have been unfaithful.
What does it mean if my test is positive?
If your test is positive this means that you have HIV antibodies in your blood and have HIV in your body. It does not mean that you have AIDS. There is no test for AIDS,
as AIDS refers to a group of illnesses that occur when HIV has damaged the body's immune system. Men and women in New Zealand have lived with HIV for many years before developing AIDS related illnesses.
What does it mean if my HIV test is negative?
If your test is HIV negative this means that you currently have not formed antibodies against HIV. However, HIV antibodies only appear in the blood 4 to 12 weeks
after a person has been exposed to HIV. This time frame is called “the window period”. If you think you have been exposed to HIV in the last three months, it is vital to practice safer sex and to have another HIV test in three months' time. Practising safer sex is important following both HIV positive and negative test results.
What tests are available in New Zealand?
At the New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF) centres, we have a “FAST Test” which can be done in 20 minutes, which involves giving a finger prick blood sample. This test is free, simple and completely confidential. It is conducted with a qualified counsellor, psychotherapist or social worker who has experience with HIV and can answer any questions you may have. In the event of a positive result, ongoing support is offered through our centres. For all positive results, a second confirmatory test with a full
blood sample (called the Western Blot) is required to confirm that you are HIV positive. Elsewhere, you will need to take a regular full blood test and return for your results at a later date.
Is the test confidential?
Yes. The HIV test at all NZAF centres is confidential. You can also request full anonymity (no name is written on any forms).
Why should I take the HIV test?
 There are many advantages of knowing your HIV status.
 If your test is HIV positive...
you can be given support from health professionals about keeping yourself well
if needed, you can begin to take HIV medication that can prolong your life
if you are considering having a child, you can receive care and treatment to minimise the risk of HIV transmission to your child
you can take measures to prevent transmitting HIV to others
you can make informed choices about the best ways to stay healthy.
 If your test is HIV negative...
you may feel relieved at knowing your status
you can take measures to stay HIV negative
you can be motivated to change any risky sexual behaviour.

You should consider having an HIV test if you think you may have been exposed to HIV through any of the following ways...

  • unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal or anal) without using condoms
  • exposure to unscreened blood or blood products (Note: New Zealand blood is screened)
  • using contaminated drug injecting equipment (“fits”).

You should also consider having an HIV test if you are:

  • planning to have a child
  • currently pregnant
  • entering into any new sexual relationship
  • married or in a relationship and concerned that your husband/wife or partner may have been unfaithful.

What does it mean if my test is positive?

If your test is positive this means that you have HIV antibodies in your blood and have HIV in your body. It does not mean that you have AIDS. There is no test for AIDS, as AIDS refers to a group of illnesses that occur when HIV has damaged the body's immune system. Men and women in New Zealand have lived with HIV for many years before developing AIDS related illnesses.

 

What does it mean if my HIV test is negative?

If your test is HIV negative this means that you currently have not formed antibodies against HIV. However, HIV antibodies only appear in the blood 4 to 12 weeks after a person has been exposed to HIV. This time frame is called “the window period”. If you think you have been exposed to HIV in the last three months, it is vital to practice safer sex and to have another HIV test in three months' time. Practising safer sex is important following both HIV positive and negative test results.

 

What tests are available in New Zealand?

At the New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF) centres, we have a “FAST Test” which can be done in 20 minutes, which involves giving a finger prick blood sample. This test is free, simple and completely confidential. It is conducted with a qualified counsellor, psychotherapist or social worker who has experience with HIV and can answer any questions you may have. In the event of a positive result, ongoing support is offered through our centres. For all positive results, a second confirmatory test with a full blood sample (called the Western Blot) is required to confirm that you are HIV positive. Elsewhere, you will need to take a regular full blood test and return for your results at a later date.

Is the test confidential?

Yes. The HIV test at all NZAF centres is confidential. You can also request full anonymity (no name is written on any forms).

 

Why should I take the HIV test?

 There are many advantages of knowing your HIV status.

 If your test is HIV positive...

  • you can be given support from health professionals about keeping yourself well
  • if needed, you can begin to take HIV medication that can prolong your life
  • if you are considering having a child, you can receive care and treatment to minimise the risk of HIV transmission to your child
  • you can take measures to prevent transmitting HIV to others
  • you can make informed choices about the best ways to stay healthy.

 If your test is HIV negative...

  • you may feel relieved at knowing your status
  • you can take measures to stay HIV negative
  • you can be motivated to change any risky sexual behaviour.