Things You'll Need:
- Home HIV test
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Step 1
Know that you are taking a preventive step to protect your body and your future. There is no benefit to not getting tested, but there is every benefit to getting tested.
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Step 2
Talk to someone close to you about your fears of getting tested. Sometimes vocalizing your fears can be a big step toward overcoming them. Try to discuss reasons that you are afraid.
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Step 3
Educate yourself about HIV. Often our fear is expounded by the unknown. When you know facts about HIV as well as AIDS and testing, you have a true, accurate view of the situation. This may help to alleviate your fears.
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Step 4
Ask trusted friends for recommendations on doctors or clinics. It helps if you feel comfortable at the testing facility. You can also read recommendations online.
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Step 5
Bring a friend or your partner with you to the HIV test. It can greatly help to have the support of a loved one there.
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Step 6
Talk to the health professional about confidential testing. Tests at a doctor's office or clinic are wholly confidential, so you can remain completely anonymous with your results.
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Step 7
Discuss your fears with an HIV counselor. A counselor fully understands the fears that accompany HIV testing and will help you through the process.
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Step 8
Purchase a home-HIV test. Most drug stores and pharmacies now sell home tests that are FDA-approved. You will need to take your blood sample and mail it in for testing. You are then given an identification number, and you can phone in for your results. Your results are tied to your identification number, not your name, so it is completely confidential.
