ABOUT HIV TESTS:

A POSITIVE TEST, indicates that a person is infected with HIV and can pass it on to others. By itself, a positive test does not necessarily mean that a person has AIDS.

A NEGATIVE TEST, means that antibodies to HIV were not detected. This usually means that the person is not infected with HIV. In some cases however, the infection may have happened too recently for the test to indicate the presence of HIV antibodies, in which case a second test is recommended after at least three months. In almost all cases antibodies to HIV will be detected after 3 months.

UNDETERMINED RESULTS: These are very rare, however in such a case a confirmatory test is done and/or sample sent to Quest labs for confirmation.

1. You may be engaging in risky behaivour
2. You may be entering into a new relationship
3. Its better to know your status
4. If you test positive treatment is available
5. If you are pregnant, considering getting pregnant or fathering a child
6. Most infected persons may benefit from medications that can delay or prevent AIDS and other serious infections
7. Earlier interventions mean a longer life
8. Knowing your status protects both you and your partner
9. Knowing your status allows you to make informed decisions
10. You can get the most out of your doctor's visit.

HIV TESTING IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS

The Turks and Caicos government operated laboratories offer HIV testing services to everyone. Persons engage the service for various reasons, for immigration purposes, for routine medicals and especially in recent times for voluntary HIV testing. Irregardless of the reason, the testing protocol should be the same.

Testing services are available at:

• The Myrtle Rigby Health Center
• Grand Turk Laboratory
• Grand Turk community clinics
• All island clinics : ( personnel will draw the specimens which will be transported to either Grand Turk or Providenciales for testing)
• Most private medical centers

Protocol

1. For persons referred by medical professionals as well as those testing for immigration purposes, it is expected that a requisition form be presented to the laboratory personnel attending to the client.
2. After checking patient information on the form for clarity and accuracy, blood is drawn by way of venipuncture.
3. Blood is tested for the presence of antibodies to the HIV using the method available at that time i.e. the testing method varies depending on the test kit available at a given time.
4. The new test kits are validated using known positive and negative samples previously tested using pre-existing methods.
5. Providing that the blood is negative when tested against the method in use, the results are made available the following day.
6. Positive samples are retested using a second method. If the sample is positive after using two methods, the result is reported as positive. This can be made available the following day as long as there are two testing methods available on the given day.
7. Persons wishing to have volunteer testing done are not required to submit a requisition form

All persons should be counseled by a VCT trained counselor prior to testing and before they are given information regarding their results.

Testing Methods used
The methods utilized in the laboratories include the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay(ELISA) as well as various rapid tests.

Cost:

The cost of an HIV test varies depending on the purpose

• Routine medicals $10 for any series of test including HIV
• $40 for any immigration purpose
• A woman attending antenatal pays $250 for her entire antenatal period and this sum includes any series of tests that she may be required as a matter of routine including HIV.
• There is a periodic National testing days where mobile units go into the community. On those days testing is available free of charge

Staff

The staff is well trained in the various HIV testing methodologies and testing protocol.

ALL testing is confidential.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER AN HIV TEST?

A trained VCT provider will engage you in a post test counseling session.

If your test is positive a referral will be made to the treatment and care program for further investigation and possible enrollment to the treatment and care program. HIV/AIDS treatment and support is available. The Turks and Caicos offer HIV treatment including Antiretrovirals (ARVs) and treatment of Opportunistic Infections (OIs) free of cost to all residents.

This treatment is not a cure for HIV but once taken as directed helps to slow down the progression of HIV and so the onset of AIDS. Many persons improve the quality and length of their lives through treatment and support.

You are also referred to the HIV positive support group. PPA + or other support if needed. (contact the National AIDS Program for more information)

TREATMENT FOR HIV

If I or someone I know tests positive what are my next steps? What are my treatment options?

For those testing positive referral is made to the HIV treatment program through the National AIDS Program. There is an HIV treatment consultant who manages clients and their treatment. (see treatment options)

While there is no cure for HIV, new combination drug therapies have been found to be highly effective for some, in delaying the onset of AIDS. In addition prescribed medications can help to prevent and treat opportunistic infections (OIs).