In current culture, it’s often prudent to be tested for various sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or diseases (STDs). One of the most important tests is for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). However, there are critical facts you should know which your health care provider may not inform you of.

An HIV test can be done as part of battery of other STI/STD testing, or it can be done more or less alone. Unfortunately if the test is part of a broader screening, health care workers will rely on your answers to questions when deciding whether or not to order an HIV test as part of a larger group of tests.

This can be one of the first problems. Unfortunately your answers may not be as complete and accurate as you would like. You obviously don’t know what you don’t know, and in the realm of sexually transmitted infections and diseases, that means that you are unlikely to know 100% of the variables introduced by other partners.

Another potential problem is that doctors generalize, and that can be bad news for you. They also may not care about your health as much as you do. Both issues were encountered by a friend of mine who recently got a series of tests for STIs. Based on her geographic location, the doctor did not automatically test for HIV. The reason was that “It’s not too common around here.” When it comes to HIV, generalizations can kill you.

One of the most worrisome facts that are neglected is this: Though your doctor may not tell you, it can take up to six months for a person to test positive after being infected with HIV. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), at three months after infection, there is still a 3% chance that a person has not developed detectable antibodies to the virus. This is a problem, because most HIV tests are the variety which test for antibodies. If the test is performed prior to six months after potential exposure, it may incorrectly indicate that a person is HIV free.

An alternative test is the RNA test. It can detect the HIV virus directly. The time between HIV infection and RNA detection is 9-11 days. But these tests are more costly and used less often than antibody tests.

Though a 3% chance of an inaccurate test may seem small, ask yourself this: Would you get on a plane if the pilot told you there is a 3% chance it will crash? Probably not.

Only you can decide what level of risk you are comfortable with. However, in the arena of HIV, you are potentially impacting another person’s life as well, and zero tolerance would be a more responsible choice.

Most test for STD’s are done at your request or if you’re pregnant. A pregnant woman with an STD such as Herpes or HIV is at risk of transferring the virus to her unborn baby resulting in severe illness or death. Because of the rising epidemic of HIV infected individuals and herpes cases today, it is very important to get tested. This is especially so because Herpes and HIV are incurable; with HIV being potentially fatal. People fear getting tested but once you know your status it can empower you to take better care of yourself and be more responsible.

If you have sores on your genitals, a sample can be taken and cultured. The virus multiplies and can be seen under a microscope. Another test involves a solution which contains antibodies that is added to the sample. The virus multiplies and glows when viewed under a special microscope. The only drawback with this type of testing is that the virus is detected only in it’s active form. These test can also tell you what type of herpes you have and how you were infected. HSV 1 can be transmitted to the genitals through oral sex and HSV 2 can be transmitted through intercourse or anal sex. As stated above, the culture detects the herpes virus in it’s active form. False negative results are possible if the sores have begun healing or if this isn’t your first outbreak. Blood test for herpes are done when there are no symptoms and are more accurate. However, if you are newly infected it may not show up for several weeks since it takes time for antibodies to the virus to show up in the blood. That is why if you suspect you may be infected you should have a repeat test several weeks after the first one.

The HIV test most commonly used in the US is the EIA or enzyme immunoassay formerly known as (Elisa). This test on blood samples looks for antibodies to the HIV virus. A positive EIA must be confirmed with a Western Blot on the same sample. HIV test using oral fluids are obtained from the mouth with a special device. Saliva isn’t used for testing but oral fluids found in the mouth. The test is similar to the EIA test done on blood. If the test is positive then a Western Blot is done on the same oral sample to confirm the results. There are rapid HIV screening test but if reactive must also be confirmed by the Western Blot. Home testing kits are popular since being licensed in 1997, but only one has been approved by the FDA. The Home Access HIV 1 Test System is a home collection kit. The kit has instructions on how to obtain a sample, mailing it and how to obtain your results. There are supportive services available throughout this process.