Getting Tested

Types of Tests
Ways to Access
Window Periods
Testing for the co-infected
Testing “clear” or “undetectable”

Technology to test for infections like HIV and Hep C are always changing and have changed a lot over the past 10 years. This session aims to give opportunities to learn about and discuss the options that are available, how to connect with them and what their benefits and limitations are.

For people who are already living positive, messaging around getting tested, to ensure the maintenance of a negative status just doesn’t resonate. For people who are already living with one or more BBI, getting tested is still important though, as we want to know how our body is doing with the infections it is managing, as well as identifying anything new.

Potential Learning Outcomes

Understanding when, where, how, and whys of getting tested for HIV and/or Hep C.

Discussion Topics

How do you get tested?
Get checked online
Walk-in clinic referral
GP referral
Special Testing Clinics
Outreach Nurse
Blood tests

When does a test give an accurate result? What is a window period?

Tests show the body’s reaction to infection, rather than infection itself. The window period refers to the time between a potential transmission and when a test will show an accurate response. Ask your care provider about the window period for the tests you may get, as they are not universal.

If you have received a positive test, what does it mean to “get tested”?

Viruses like HIV and HepC will always give a positive result after transmission has occurred, even though HepC can be treated and cleared and HIV can be treated to become “undetectable”. Getting tested once positive, usually would involve screening for co-infection, or tracking viral levels in the blood as a part of management and/or treatment. Living positive can involve increased risk for other conditions like bacterial STIs, getting tested can help ensure such infections get treatment in a timely fashion.

Is “undetectable” the same as cured? What is required to maintain an “undetectable” status?

Having an “undetectable” level of HIV means that the virus is under control. This prevents it from being spreadable and will also reduce its impacts on the immune system. The virus doesn’t go away though, and staying undetectable takes care, both taking antiretrovirals (ARVs) on schedule and taking care of our bodies with sleep, nutrition, hydration etc.