Voluntary Testing (Part I)

Many people think of having a HIV blood test after learning that they are at risk of HIV. However, it is important to have comprehensive information on testing and its results.

Blood Testing Conditions

The reliability of a HIV blood test depends upon the timing of the blood test. It is necessary to take a test at least 3 months from the last risk exposure. (meaning- sex without a condom and sharing needles with others when injecting drugs). There must be no exposure to HIV at all during that 3 months (using a condom for every act of intercourse and not sharing needles with others).

This 3 month period is called the “window period”, which refers to the period of time when it is not possible to detect HIV. If your blood test is in accordance with these conditions, the result should be reliable.

Reason: This kind of blood test does not look for HIV but for HIV antibodies. When you contract the virus your body will gradually produce antibodies to fight the HIV in your body. After 3 months, the result of a blood test should be a reliable way to discern your HIV status.

The meaning of the blood test result

A blood test under the above conditions will give one of two results:

Negative: If the result is ‘negative’ you have not contracted HIV from the latest suspected exposure given that it was more than 3 months prior. (there are no future guarantees)

Positive: If the result is ‘positive’ it means that you are infected with HIV. The test to find the HIV antibodies is only able to tell you that you have HIV but is unable to specify how long you been infected.

If the HIV test is positive, it is common practice for a medical technician to retest the blood to ensure an accurate result by using a different type of test before informing you of the result. If you are not confident of the result, it is possible to take another test.

Testing site

You can go to have a HIV blood test in government hospitals (Central, provincial and community hospitals), private hospitals, anonymous clinics and private clinics that provide HIV blood testing services. The most important thing is that the testing site should also provide pre- and post counseling. This is an important way to help you understand the result of the test and prepare you for the blood test result.

Currently, the testing technology and the testing methods appear to be of a similar, reliable standard. However there may be price variations and the quality of the counseling services may differ.

The fee for a HIV test provided at a government site will be about 80-300 baht. The cost will be higher at private clinics from 300-800 baht.

A nationwide random qualitative survey of service providers of pre and post counseling services was completed in November- December 2005. It found that more up to date and accurate information on treatment and pre and post counseling was available in the public system than in the private clinics.