Testing
HIV Testing
If you feel you have put yourself at risk of HIV you may chose to have an HIV test. You have several choices of where to go for a test: any GU clinic, your GP, The Bridge Centre, or RISQ ( for information & referral).
When you have made your choice of where to go you should always receive pre-test counselling before giving blood. The pre-test counselling should talk you through how you feel you have put yourself at risk, if the test comes back negative what happens then, if the test comes back positive what choices do you have then, who do you tell? Where can you go for further information and support? How to take care of yourself and others close to you.
At any time you may decide you don't want to have the test. If you chose to go ahead and have the test a blood sample will be taken and you will have to wait for a week for the results to be returned. You may want to go for same day testing out of Shropshire. Please note that if you take this choice you will still have to wait for around 4 hours and probably have to wait for these results to be confirmed several days later. Waiting for the result is obviously a very difficult time, please remember you can contact us for support or our Telephone Helpline on Wednesday evenings from 7.30 - 9.30 on 01743 343705 or ring the National AIDS Helpline for free on 0800 567 123. You do not have to go through this time unsupported.
What Is a Window Period?
A window period is when you have put yourself at risk but antibodies have not yet reached a level where they can be tested for HIV. This window period is usually 12 weeks but may in some cases be much longer. You cannot have an HIV test within this period because the test is unable to detect the HIV virus.
If you have become infected with HIV (this period is called sero-conversion) will you know? Not necessarily. Some people have very heavy flu like symptoms, some people have no signs at all. The only way to know is to have an HIV test after the window period.
Where To Go For Specialist Information
If you think you have put yourself at risk of contracting HIV there are several choices of where to go in Shropshire for advice, information, support and HIV testing. If you need to contact someone urgently and are unable to call any of the Shropshire services please use the: National AIDS Helpline on freephone 0800 567 123.
If you are living in Shropshire you have various options to get specialist information and treatments from. These include your own doctor or:
GU Clinics Based in the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals.
Both clinics offer confidential testing for HIV. They also provide information and support for making informed decisions about when to start taking treatments, what treatments are available and will provide the medical assistance you may need.
Bridge Centre, Shrewsbury
The Bridge Centre provides a confidential service for gay and bisexual men. HIV testing and counselling can be provided.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Living with HIV can be difficult emotionally and physically and anxieties about ill health, treatments and the future add more stress. When a number of agencies are involved or need to become involved in care at home this too can cause additional problems for someone living with HIV and/or their carers. The Clinical Nurse Specialist is there to offer expert information and advice on all aspects of care and treatment, liaise with any professionals involved and provide support not only for clients but for all others involved at the time. If you would like any further information please contact us.
Shropshire HIV/AIDS Counselling
Finding out that either yourself or someone close to you is HIV positive or has developed AIDS is a traumatic experience. Shropshire HIV/AIDS Counselling offers the support and understanding required by people coming to terms with their situation. The service can help with making decisions about testing, coping with a positive test result, with stress and illness, dealing with loss and bereavement. For further information contact us to find out the up to date contact information for this service.