QUESTION: How does an HIV test work?

ANSWER: Most HIV tests are blood tests, designed to measure antibodies the body produces to fight HIV infection. In some cases, you can be tested by giving a tissue sample from the cheek or gum instead of a blood sample. Getting results can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the kind of test you take and the availability of the test at your testing location. If anonymity is important to you, make sure you ask in advance if your test results will be either "confidential" or "anonymous":

• Home tests are completely private, and available in drug stores. Trained counselors are available to consult over the phone.
• Some tests are totally anonymous, which means that rather than using your name, you get assigned a number. You then track your results with your number only.
• Many sites offer "confidential" testing. That means your name and result may be made available to medical officials and, in many places, the state health department.

QUESTION: Do you know where to get tested?

ANSWER: Any doctor's office is able to administer an HIV test, but if You'd rather keep a low-profile by going to a more anonymous clinic or testing center, you can find sites all over the country. Here's how:

• Call the CDC National HIV/AIDS Hotline at 1-800-342-AIDS
• Call the National STD Hotline at 1-800-227-8922
• Call the Planned Parenthood Hotline at 1-800-230-PLAN
• Go to http://www.hivtest.org

QUESTION: How often should you get tested?

ANSWER: Because it ordinarily takes the body a while to produce HIV antibodies, you may be infected with the virus and still test negative for as long as six months after infection. This lag time, called the "window period," means you should always use protection, even if you've just been handed a clean bill of health.

• Getting tested once may not be enough. As long as you're having unprotected sex with new partners or sharing needles, you're taking new risks. Stay on top of your health by getting tested regularly.
• If you've never been screened for HIV, or if you've put yourself at risk, the earlier you get screened, the safer you'll be. Early detection can slow the virus's progress, and help delay the onset of AIDS symptoms. Plus, knowing your own health status can help you protect your partners.
• Because of the "window period," just because you tested negative doesn't necessarily mean you are. Always practice safer sex, and never share needles.

QUESTION: How can you minimize your risk of contracting HIV?

ANSWER: Since HIV is spread through the transmission of bodily fluids (inlcuding blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk), the only way to be 100% safe is to be 100% abstinent, and not to share needles. But, if you are sexually active, here are some important ways to majorly decrease your risk:

• ALWAYS use a condom during vaginal, oral, and anal sex. (For female oral sex and oral anal sex, use a dental dam.) Always means every single time.
• Find out your partner's past sexual history and testing history before you become physically intimate.
• Never share needles.

it's your (sex) life is brought to you in partnership with the Kaiser Family Foundation, an independent, non-profit health care philanthropy.The content of this site was prepared by staff of the Foundation. MTV and the Foundation have joined forces to provide information on important sexual health issues to MTV viewers and online users. The Kaiser Family Foundation is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente or any other Kaiser Industries.