Things You'll Need:
- Just yourself
-
Step 1
Find a location. You can take it at your doctor's office or you can go to a local free clinic where you can remain anonymous. Websites such as http://www.hivtest.org can help you locate a clinic in your area.
-
Step 2
Calm your nerves. Naturally, when faced with the chance of learning you have a fatal virus you will be nervous. If you can't calm down on your own, ask to speak to a pretest counselor.
-
Step 3
Get tested. When you enter the room, you will be seated and briefed on how the test will be performed. An oral swab will be run along your gumline or you'll get a finger prick.
-
Step 4
Learn more. While in the waiting room, you will usually be surrounded with literature on the HIV virus. Take this time--about 20 minutes--to learn more about the virus and how to better protect yourself from it.
-
Step 5
Get the results. You will be called into a room, where you will learn if you are HIV positive or negative.
-
Step 6
Talk with the counselor. If results are negative, the counselor will explain how your future behavior can keep you protected from the virus. If results are positive, the counselor will perform a second test to confirm the first one. You will then get information on treatment and support groups.
