[procaare] Re:AIDS Experts Call for Rethinking of Testing Policy

[Lillian Argueta <procaare@healthnet.org>]

Re: AIDS Experts Call for Rethinking of Testing Policy
- Lillian Argueta,Florida
***************************

It is certain that rapid testing will be better in terms of people returning to get
results. We use either orasure or a blood test. The people who I test on a one to one
basis come back most of the time. People whom I test at health fairs or street affairs are
more likely to have taken the test on impulse and many do not return.

'Counselling should only be given if the test is positive or if the person reports
high-risk behavior', true, but I still agree with counselling when the person's test comes
back negative even if they have not reported risky behaviors.  IT IS EXTREMELY important
that people who test negative receive counseling and referrals if needed.  Testing
negative is almost as traumatic for some people who have reasons to think they are
infected; a negative result test gives them a false sense of   "I must be immune to this
thing". (Their own words).

Other clients subconsciously want to be positive, (survivor's guilt reasons) and others,
mostly among young gay men, think of HIV as a badge of honor.

My opinion is based on the experiences I have had while doing HIV testing since 1998 with
pre and post test counselling and I have heard those three reasons from people who have
tested negative.

Also, during a post testing session I give referrals to STIs clinics, domestic violence,
smoke cessation and others that I could not give during the pre test counseling session.

Thank you,

Lillian Argueta
HIV+ Health Educator
HIV Prevention AIDS Resource Alliance
Orlando
Florida
Email:tcells@juno.com

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