HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), which is the last stage of HIV infection, where the body's immune system is no longer able to fight off infection.

HIV is transmitted through direct contact with body fluids such as blood, semen and vaginal fluids. Therefore, sex with an infected person is one of the common modes of transmission. Sharing needles and other "works" for injection drug use can also transmit the virus. Pregnant mothers can also pass the virus along to their babies before birth, during birth or after birth through breastfeeding. It is also possible to get HIV from tattoo and/or body piercing instruments that were contaminated with blood from another client and not sterilized or disinfected prior to being used on you.

You cannot get HIV by donating blood; hugging; sharing food; using telephones, toilet seats, towels or utensils; from tears or sweat; through the air or water; or from insect bites.

How can I be tested?

Clarian Health offers testing sites at its hospital locations. The testing sites use a screening test that looks for HIV antibodies using a sample of your blood or saliva. It is important to note that this test detects antibodies to the HIV virus that are made in response to HIV infection -- not the virus itself.

The results of your HIV screening will be available before leaving the testing site.

My HIV screening was NEGATIVE — what does that mean?

Testing negative means that at this time your body has not developed HIV antibodies. When a HIV screening test does not show HIV antibodies it can mean one of two things:

1. You do not have HIV. 

OR

2. You have HIV and your body has not developed HIV antibodies yet. It can take up to three months after someone has become infected with HIV to develop the antibodies necessary to test positive using a rapid screening test.

If your last exposure (risk behavior) has occurred within the last three months it would be important for you to consider getting another HIV test three months from the date of this exposure in order to ensure your HIV screening test is negative. It is important you do not participate in other risk behaviors during this period.

Remember, just because you have tested negative at this time doesn't mean that you can't contract HIV in the future.

My HIV screening was POSITIVE — what's next?

A positive screen with a rapid test means that your body may have developed the antibodies that are made by the body after being infected with HIV. Everyone who has a positive screen must complete a second HIV test to confirm their results. This screen is completed by drawing a sample of your blood.

The results for this second HIV test can take up to a week to become available. To receive the results for this second test, called the confirmatory test, you will need to return to the hospital to meet one to one with the HIV counselor. At this time, you will have the opportunity to learn your results. The HIV counselor will help you take the next step in your health care, based upon the result you receive. The person who performs your test will provide you with an appointment to meet with an HIV counselor before you leave the hospital.

While waiting for your confirmatory result, it is not uncommon to feel anxious or upset. There are many people available for you to talk with and to answer any questions you may have at this time and that come to you later.

If you need to talk with someone day or night, you can call the Crisis and Suicide Intervention Hotline (24 hours a day, seven days a week) at 317-251-7575.

With proper care, a person can live with HIV for years without becoming sick. Your doctor will design a treatment plan that is right for you, and it is important that you follow his or her instructions.

How can I refer a patient?

Any Indiana resident who has HIV/AIDS can be referred to our program. Call 317-962-2700 to set up an appointment, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.