I understand the following information, which I have read or have been read to me:
– Blood or another body fluid or tissue sample, will be tested for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus !hat causes AIDS.
– Consent to be tested for HIV should be given FREELY.
– Results of the test, like all medical records, are confidential, but confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
– If positive test results become known, an individual may experience discrimination from family or friends and at school or work.
What a NEGATIVE Result Means:
– A negative test means that HIV infection has not been found at the time of the test.
What a POSITIVE Result Means:
– A positive HIV test means that a person is infected with HIV and can transmit the virus by having sex, sharing needles, childbearing (from mother to child), breastfeeding, or donating organs, blood, plasma, tissue, or breast milk. A positive HIV test DOES NOT mean a diagnosis of AIDS – other tests are needed.