HIV Testing: What To Expect From Your Appointment

If you need HIV testing in Orlando, it is reassuring to know what will happen during the test visit and how the process works. At Harmony Healthcare, we provide accessible HIV testing and treatment to anyone who needs it.

We get it, you likely aren’t chomping at the bit to get an HIV test, but we’re here to reassure that it’s not as big of a deal as you think. Our staff is kind, our clinic is welcoming, and we’ll lock arms with you regardless of the outcome. Ready? Let’s do this!

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that weakens the immune system by destroying cells that fight disease and infection. While there is no cure for HIV right now, with proper medical care and treatment, people who have HIV can live long and healthy lives. 

Why is it important to seek HIV testing in Orlando? As of 2019, there were 12,740 people with HIV living in Orlando, which was an increase of 665 cases since 2018. Additionally, most people who get HIV have no symptoms for years, so they may not know they have it until they are tested. We want to guide you though an appointment for HIV testing in Orlando, so you’ll feel more comfortable with the process. If you have not scheduled an appointment yet, contact Harmony Healthcare today, or just stop by! 

The HIV Testing Process

We want your visit to be as quick and painless as possible. Our medical staff will welcome you into our office, then show you to a private room where the test will be administered.

Step #1: Give a Sample

When you arrive for your testing appointment, your medical provider will take a sample. Our clinic uses FDA approved CLIA waived rapid tests, which allow us to obtain blood samples through a simple finger-stick. The finger-stick is similar to the way that someone who is diabetic would check their blood sugar. These tests detect antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 in your blood, and can deliver results in approximately 20 minutes. We can also test by drawing blood if the finger-stick is not appropriate for the patient.

Step #2: Get Your Results

It’s been 20 minutes; it’s time to read your test results. Either way, we’ve got you!

Non-Reactive or Negative Result

If your test comes back non-reactive, or negative, and you do not have a known possible exposure to HIV in the last three months, it means that you do not have HIV antibodies present in the blood sample given. We strongly encourage you to continue being tested every three months due to the 90-day window period. Antigen/antibody tests done with blood from a finger prick take longer to detect HIV (18 to 90 days after exposure).

Reactive or Positive Result

If your test comes back reactive, or positive, your healthcare provider will draw your blood to obtain a sample to send to the lab for a test to confirm. Since the finger-stick test checks for antibodies and not the virus itself, this confirmatory test will rule out any potential false-reactives that can be caused by Lupus and other autoimmune conditions. This secondary test will determine whether you are positive or negative for HIV.

Step 3: Work with Us If Your Test Is Positive

If your HIV test comes back reactive, or positive, it is not unusual to feel a lot of different emotions. This is why it is so important to be seen by a compassionate medical provider who understands what you are going through and is not going to judge you. The medical providers at our clinic are here to support you during this time and will work with you personally to find the best treatment option.

Who Needs To Get Tested?

The only way to be certain about your HIV status is through testing. When you know your status, you are empowered to keep yourself and your sexual partners healthy. Additionally, the CDC recommends that everyone who engages in sexual contact or IV drug use be tested.

Harmony Healthcare Provides No-Cost HIV Testing In Orlando

When you need HIV testing in Orlando, come to an office that will provide your treatment and testing in a warm, welcoming environment free of judgment or assumptions. Harmony Healthcare also offers Hepatitis C medical care, PrEP, PEP, STI testing and treatment, and more. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our providers or just stop by! We look forward to helping you on your health journey!