Frequently Asked Questions

Are my test results confidential?

Test results are usually confidential, and some sites offer anonymous, free, and/or drop-in testing where appointments are not necessary. These results are not announced to others but are reported to the government for tracking purposes.

If I test positive, who needs to know?

Healthcare providers and HIV-related service providers need to know if you test positive for HIV to support you and ensure optimal health care services. Sex or injection druguse partners need to know to protect their health. Employers do not need to know.

If I test positive for HIV, how will my daily life change?

Your health care provider will be able to begin antiretroviral therapy (ART) to treat HIV. Taking this medication as prescribed will result in an undetectable viral load, which means there is no risk of the sexual transmission of HIV to HIV-negative partners. Most people with HIV live long and healthy lives if they get and stay on treatment. HIV health care providers can assist in accessing mental health services and finding HIV support groups. There are HIV/AIDS antidiscrimination laws to protect individuals who are positive from facing discrimination.