HIV testing is the only way to find out if you are HIV positive. The infection can be completely asymptomatic and, if left untreated, even leads to death. HIV is a silent killer. Find out where you will be tested for HIV, how it is done and who should be tested.

Where can I getHIV testand what is the test? HIV testing is completely free, anonymous, safe, and does not require a referral. You can also get tested in this direction during the coronavirus epidemic.

A few words about HIV

HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, is no longer a death sentence, and tests for its presence are available immediately. Despite this, the number of infections is still growing in Poland and Europe. The most common route of transmission of the virus is through sexual activity (oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex) in risky sexual intercourse.

In addition, HIV can be acquired through contact with the blood of an untreated HIV-positive person, as well as during childbirth and breastfeeding (infected mother-child).

What does that mean? A HIV positive person is one who has tested positive for HIV. If she is treated early and her viral load drops below 200 per ml of blood, she cannot infect her sexual partners.

The sooner HIV infection is discovered, the better the chances of successful treatment. Currently, people with HIV can lead a perfectly normal and long life, as in any other chronic disease.

HIV test - where is HIV tested?

Completely free and anonymous HIV testing can be performed at consultation and diagnostic centers (PKD). Each test is preceded by a conversation with a specially qualified adviser who explains the course of the test, answers all doubts and questions and accompanies the respondent during and after receiving the result.

In addition to PKD, the HIV test can be performed in infectious disease clinics, diagnostic laboratories and in some sanitary and epidemiological stations, but in these places tests are paid, they rarely offer the help of a specialist-adviser and are not necessarily anonymous.

HIV test can also be ordered free of charge and anonymously for home use. Help is also included with this optionspecialist from the beginning to the end of the examination.

Consultation and diagnostic points can be found in the following cities:

  • Białystok,
  • Bydgoszcz,
  • Chorzów,
  • Częstochowa,
  • Ełku,
  • in Gdańsk,
  • Gdynia,
  • Gorzów Wielkopolski,
  • Jelenia Góra,
  • Krakow,
  • Kielce,
  • Koszalin,
  • Lublin,
  • Lodz,
  • Olsztyn,
  • Opole,
  • Płocku,
  • Poznań,
  • Rzeszów,
  • Szczecin,
  • Toruniu,
  • Wałbrzychu,
  • in Warsaw:
    • ul. Chmielna,
    • ul. Jagiellońska,
    • ul. John Paul II,
    • ul. Nougat;
  • Wrocław:
    • ul. Podwale,
    • ul. All Saints;
  • Zgorzelcu
  • and in Zielona Góra.

The list of all PKDs and their opening hours are available on the website aids.hiv.gov.pl.

HIV test - how is the test done and what is it?

The HIV Test is an ELISA screening test for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies. The blood sample is taken from the finger or a vein in the crook of the elbow. You do not need to fast - this does not affect the test effect.

The result, depending on the PKD, can be collected on the same day, and the maximum waiting time is a few days. If the first test is positive, the test is repeated to finally confirm the presence of the virus in the blood.

The most certain result is obtained about twelve weeks after exposure to the virus.

HIV test - what if the HIV test is positive?

Treatment for HIV infection is fully reimbursed. A person diagnosed with the virus can count on comprehensive he alth care and free therapy under the supervision of specialists.

Quickly diagnosed infection and implementation of treatment ensures a normal, long life. You can have a family and enjoy sex if the amount of virus in your blood is undetectable ( <200 kopii wirusa/1 ml krwi). To zasada niewykrywalny=niezakaźny (N=N).

After risky contact, you should wait twelve weeks before testing to be sure of a negative result. If you are aware that you have been in dangerous contact with HIV (assuming that it is not N=N), reimbursed post-exposure treatment is available to minimize the risk of infection.

Who Should Get HIV Tested?

HIV testing, in particular, should be performed by people who engage in risky sexual behavior. Unprotected sex with someone who is not certain not to be HIV positive is considered to be unprotected sex.Infection even for ten years does not give any specific symptoms, and an unexplored host can infect many people during this time. It is worth having an HIV test at least once in your life.

People expecting a baby should also get an HIV test so that if they are unknowingly a carrier, they do not infect the newborn during delivery or later, while breastfeeding. Doctors often resign from offering such tests to pregnant women due to stigmatization and stereotypes related to HIV (sexual promiscuity, drug addiction, homosexuality).

There are also professional groups (doctors, nurses, paramedics, policemen) who may be more exposed to HIV exposure. However, it should be remembered that anyone can get infected, regardless of profession, relationship status, age or economic situation.

Thanks to the examination and prompt treatment, you can avoid many complications, developing AIDS and infecting your loved ones.

  • HIV Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART): Medication Effects and Side Effects
  • PrEP (pre-exposure HIV prevention) - what is it?
  • How is HIV different from AIDS
  • Do you know the first symptoms of HIV and AIDS?
  • Living with an HIV positive person [INTERVIEW]

Category:

Research