HIV antibody testing is available free of charge at HIV test sites located throughout the state to people at risk for HIV. The HIV antibody test detects the present of antibodies to HIV by using a simple blood or oral fluid test. This is not a test for AIDS. The test does not tell you if you have AIDS; it does show if you have been infected with HIV which can cause AIDS.
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How to stay free from HIV
HIV infection doesn't just happen. You can't catch it like a cold or flu. You won't get it through everyday contact with infected people at work, school, home or anywhere else. You get HIV by exposure to infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids from another person.
HIV has spread around the world. You can't hide from it if you have sex, but you can protect yourself.- Abstain from sex or remain in a mutually exclusive relationship.
- Get tested so you and your partner know your status.
- Avoid exchange of body fluids. A latex condom can help.
- Never share needles.
What about counseling?
Because HIV antibody testing has the potential to cause emotional, social and legal problems, counseling is part of the testing procedure.
Who should consider testing?
If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, you could be infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.
Have you ever had unprotected sex (anal, vaginal or oral) with a man or woman who:- You know was infected with HIV?
- Injects or has injected drugs?
- Shared needles with someone who was infected?
- Had sex with someone who shared needles?
- Had multiple sex partners?
- You normally wouldn't have sex with?
Did you or any of your partners:- Receive treatment for hemophilia from 1978 through 1985?
- Have a blood transfusion or organ transplant from 1978 through 1985?
Have you used needles or syringes that were used by anyone before you?
Have you ever given or received sex for drugs or money?
Test results and what they mean
WHAT DOES A NEGATIVE TEST RESULT MEAN? A negative test result means no HIV antibodies have been found in your blood or oral fluid because:- You have not been infected with the virus.
- You are infected, but your body has not yet produced sufficient antibodies to result in a positive test. Antibodies may not develop for several weeks. You could still pass the infection on to others, even if you haven't tested positive. A negative test result does not mean you can't be infected in the future.
WHAT DOES A POSITIVE TEST RESULT MEAN? A positive test result means HIV antibodies have been found in your blood or oral fluid. You have been infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. You can pass the virus to other people during vaginal, anal or oral sex or while sharing drug needles. If you are pregnant or become pregnant, you could pass the virus on to your baby.
Test Procedure
In North Dakota, confidential HIV testing is conducted. Confidentiality is an agreement that information about you will not be disclosed without your consent. To take the test, you need to make an appointment at one of the test sites listed on this website. Testing, counseling and referral services are free at all test sites. The first visit will take about 30 minutes; test results will be available in five to seven days. Test results are not given over the telephone or sent in the mail. On your second visit, the nurse who collected the test specimen will give you the test results and explain them to you in private.
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