There is no single test for diagnosing AIDS but there is a test for detecting HIV antibodies, substances produced in the blood to
fight disease organisms such as HIV. Presence of HIV antibodies means that a person has been infected with HIV and is capable of
passing the virus onto others. A person who tests for the HIV antibody early into their HIV infection can begin consulting with
a doctor and if desired, begin treatment. Such treatment could help delay the onset of an AIDS diagnosis.
If a person tests negative, it means that no HIV antibodies were present at the time of the test. Because it can take between 2 weeks
and 6 months for our bodies to produce antibodies against HIV, a negative test can mean that a person is not infected or has recently
become infected. A negative test does not mean that a person is immune to HIV. For most accurate tests, people should be tested 6 months
after their last risky behavior.
HIV antibody testing is available Thursdays evenings from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm through a new procedure called OraSure® which requires no
blood draw or needles.
For more information call 476-8533
Are you Positive, You're not Positive?
(Know your "RISK FACTOR")
Click here to view the Comcast Local Edition Interview with Robert Lampkins, Board President of the San Joaquin AIDS Foundaton.
