Human nature is such that only by realizing something to the end and making a decision, we can easily follow it. If the decision to get tested was our own, it means that we are aware of our risks and in case of a positive result; it will be much easier to accept the diagnosis and start treatment. And if the HIV test is negative, then the person who has been consciously tested is more likely to try to prevent risky situations in the future a significant role in this is also played by the quality of counseling before and after the test with him.

Why the Test Should Be Accompanied By a Consultation

One of the most important parts of HIV testing is pre-test and post-test counseling. This means that at first we discussed possible risks with you, provided information on how to protect yourself, told about modern ideas about HIV, treatment, life prognosis, the possibility of having HIV and giving birth to a child free from infection; mentioned that the test result can be positive, negative and questionable (and what this means); be sure to report the “window period” the interval of 3-6 months, when a person can be infected, and the test will not show it yet. With smart hiv test solutions you can have the best results now.

What is posttest counseling?

When a person comes to find out the test results, he must be provided with post-test counseling. During this meeting, the person is informed of the test result (positive, negative, doubtful), explaining what it means. Then the conversation takes place depending on the result of the analysis. In case of a positive result, they talk about life with HIV, treatment, the opportunity to give birth to a healthy child and live the same number of years as without HIV, measures to prevent further transmission of HIV. If the result is negative, they discuss ways to prevent risks and the need to undergo further testing in case there is a suspicion of a “window period”.

This is the perfect picture. In real life, there are few in which institution all these procedures are carried out (and in vain). Because if you signed some kind of paper, donated blood for an unknown reason, and then received an unexpected result, you have much less time to think about your risks, HIV, and somehow realize what is happening.

Where to Make the Test

You can take an HIV test for free in many medical institutions, if you ask a doctor for a referral: a polyclinic, KVD, women’s consultation. Such a test will be non-anonymous. Or anonymous, but then paid. If you want to take the test for free and anonymously, then contact the Center for the Fight against Infectious Diseases sometimes called the “AIDS Center” in the old fashioned way in your city. There are more chances to get competent pre- and post-test counseling. You can anonymously, but for a fee, get tested for HIV in commercial medical centers.

In many regions of Canada, non-profit organizations, together with state ones, have begun to conduct rapid HIV testing among the population. Imagine, after work, you get off the train and right at the station square you can go to the mobile laboratory specially equipped bus and find out the result within 20 minutes. It’s free, anonymous, with pre- and post-test counseling and confidentiality. This is a very good initiative, and it helps to involve people who will not reach the medical facility soon in testing. Now such actions are taking place in many cities in Canada.