Informed Consent to Perform HIV Testing
(This Consent Applies Only If You Purchase An HIV Test)
I have been provided with and I understand the following information regarding HIV testing:
- What is HIV? HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It's the virus that causes AIDS. It damages your immune system, making it easier for you to get sick and even die from infections or diseases, like cancer, that your body could normally fight off.
- How does the test work? The HIV test is a blood test that looks for HIV and requires you to provide a sample of your blood. The test is divided into three parts to ensure accuracy. The first test looks for antibodies your body makes when have been infected with HIV, as well as part of the virus itself. If the result of the first part is non-reactive, you are not infected with the HIV virus. If it is reactive, a second test, which looks for antibodies against HIV, is run from the same blood sample. If this test is reactive, it is highly likely you are infected with the HIV virus. If it is non-reactive or indeterminate, a third test is run. This last test looks for RNA, HIV’s genetic material. If this test is positive, then it confirms that there is HIV infection. Another test may be recommended if all three parts of the test are negative but there is still a strong reason to think you have been infected.
- Timing of Testing. After being infected with HIV, it takes several weeks and possibly months for blood tests to detect the virus. If you test too soon, the test may be negative even if the virus is in your body. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV in the last 3 days, you should immediately contact a doctor. Prompt treatment, also called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), within 3 days of a possible exposure, can decrease the chance that you will develop an HIV infection.
- Test Results and Counseling. If your test shows that you have HIV, PWNHealth's Care Coordination Team will call you to review the results and explain the next steps you should take, including where you can get treatment. After your test you will be offered education, counseling, and information regarding your results.
- Treatment of HIV. There are treatment options for HIV. There’s no cure for HIV, but medication can slow down the damage the virus causes. New medications have made it possible for people with HIV to live about as long as they would without HIV. Getting tested means getting treatment that will help you stay healthy longer and lower the chances of spreading the virus to others.
- Safe Practices. Individuals with HIV/AIDS can adopt practices to protect uninfected people from becoming infected. Use condoms every time you have sex.
- Partner Notification. If you test positive, it is important to notify your sexual and needle sharing partners and many states require that you do so. There are resources available from your local health department which can help you notify your partners. Be honest with your future partners so you can both be informed and help each other stay healthy.
- Further Testing. Even if your test results are negative, the CDC recommends yearly testing for some people, including those with multiple sex partners, men who have sex with men, those who use IV drugs, and those who’ve had another STD. Ask your doctor if you should be tested every year.
I understand that if I have any questions before or after the HIV test, I can contact PWNHealth's Care Coordination Team by calling (855) 999-3358 or emailing firstname.lastname@example.org.
I understand that the testing being offered is confidential but not anonymous. It requires my name and credit card information. Anonymous testing options are available at in-person specialized testing centers.
I understand that the law prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s HIV status. Services are available if I believe I have experienced discrimination based on my HIV status.
I understand that the law protects the confidentiality of test results. As required by state law, if I am positive for HIV, my name and results will be reported to my state’s health department. I also understand that my health information and results may be shared with other PWN health care providers, including physicians, and counselors for purposes of providing care to me.
I understand that testing is voluntary and that I may withdraw my consent to testing at any time prior to the completion of the laboratory test by contacting PWNHealth's Care Coordination Team by calling (855) 999-3358 or emailing email@example.com.
I have read and understand the information that has been provided to me. I have been given the opportunity to ask questions about HIV testing and all of my questions have been answered to my satisfaction.
Last updated: Apr. 30, 2019