It is important that you understand your rights when it comes to getting tested for HIV/AIDS: who finds out the results and if there is parental involvement or not.

When dealing with the law, like anything else, it's good to be empowered with knowledge. So here it goes:

Do I need permission from my parents or guardians to get tested for AIDS/HIV?

No. You don't need anyone's permission to get an HIV test, or to get tested or treated for any sexually transmitted disease.

It takes courage to take an AIDS test and to wait for the results. That's why it's a good idea to find a responsible person you trust to help you through the process, whether it's a parent, teacher, minister or a friend.

Do I have to give my name to get an HIV/AIDS test?

At a public clinic…
No. Most state laws make it clear that every person has the right to an anonymous HIV/AIDS test. You can get an anonymous test at most PUBLIC health clinics.

At a private clinic/doctor…
The law does not require a private doctor or clinic to do an HIV/AIDS test anonymously, even if you ask them to. So if anonymity is important to you, make sure you ask about it before the doctor draws your blood. If the doctor says he won't do the testing anonymously, you have the right to stop the test from continuing, even if your blood has already been drawn.

If I test positive, do my parents or relatives have to be told?

At a public clinic…
If you are under 18 and you test positive for HIV, most state health codes require that the health care worker tell your parents or guardian about your HIV positive status.

At the private clinic/doctor…
Whether or not your parents are told is completely at the discretion of the doctor or health care worker. As a rule, if you're under 18, they encourage you to tell your parents. If you're older than 18, they normally encourage you to make the decision yourself.

If I am a student and I test HIV positive, will my school be informed?
Yes. According to most current state laws, if a student tests HIV positive, the Department of Public Health must notify a pre-determined member (usually a Dean or Associate Dean) of the student's school.

Once the school finds out, can they keep me out of school?
No. You have just as much right to be in school as any other student.

How long does it take to get results?
Results from the most commonly used HIV antibody screening test, the ELISA, are available 1-2 weeks. A "rapid HIV test" is also available for screening. It produces quick results, usually within 5 to 30 minutes, and its results are comparable to the ELISA test.

The FDA approved the use of ORASURE, a saliva test for HIV antibodies. This test is g used as an alternative to blood tests for HIV antibodies. Saliva testing is slightly less sensitive than blood testing, and has a false negative (when it tells you you're HIV negative when in fact you're HIV positive) rate of about 2%.

How accurate are HIV test results?
The most commonly used HIV test, the ELISA, is more than 99% accurate. If the ELISA or rapid test shows the blood sample is positive for HIV, then the Western blot is done to confirm that initial result.

How do I interpret HIV test results?
A seropositive result on an HIV test means that HIV antibodies are present in your bloodstream and you are HIV-positive. The onset of the disease AIDS may take up to 10 or more years. Drug treatments are available that can further delay the development of AIDS.

A seronegative result usually indicates that you are not infected with HIV. However, you should be re-tested in six months if you have engaged in high-risk behavior during the past six months because it can take this long for your immune system to produce enough antibodies.

What if I test positive for HIV?
If you test positive for HIV, early medical treatment and a healthy lifestyle can help you stay well, delay the onset of AIDS, and prevent some life-threatening conditions. If you are HIV-positive, follow these important steps immediately to protect your health:

" See a doctor, even if you do not feel sick -- preferably a doctor who has experience treating HIV. There are many drugs to treat HIV infection and that may help you maintain your health.

" Get tested for tuberculosis. Undetected TB can cause serious illness, but it can be successfully treated if caught early.

" Don't smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or use drugs. These can weaken your immune system and allow the virus to replicate itself more rapidly. If necessary, find programs to help you reduce or stop using these substances.