Before testing, you should provide the individual about to be tested with information on HIV/AIDS, and, importantly, give them enough opportunity to ask questions. You should include the basic facts about HIV, its transmission and prevention; the importance of knowing one's own HIV status and the advantages of disclosing one's own HIV status to family members, close friends and others. Also, explain about follow-up support and the services available if the test is positive for HIV. Box 24.1 summarises the key information you should provide as part of pre-test counselling and education on HIV/AIDS.

Box 24.1 Pre-test information/education as part of PITC

HIV is a virus that destroys parts of the body's immune system. A person infected with HIV may not feel sick at first, but slowly the body's immune system is destroyed. They then become ill and are unable to fight infections. Once a person is infected with HIV, they can transmit the virus to others unless they practice preventative measures and safe sex (Study Sessions 25 and 29).

HIV can be transmitted:

through exchange of HIV-infected body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid or blood during unprotected sexual intercourse.
through HIV-infected blood transfusions.
through sharing sharp cutting or piercing instruments.
from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, labour and delivery, and during breastfeeding.

HIV cannot be transmitted through:

hugging, shaking hands, eating together, sharing a latrine, or mosquito bites.

A blood test is available that enables a person's HIV status to be determined.

If the HIV test is positive, knowing this will help you to:

protect yourself from re-infection, and your sexual partner(s) from infection.
get early access to chronic HIV care and support, including regular follow-up and support, treatment for HIV, and cotrimoxazole prophylaxis (preventative treatment with antibiotics).
cope better with HIV infection and be able to make future plans. For pregnant mothers or for married couples intending to have a child in the future, it gives a chance of early access to services for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV (Study Session 27).

If the HIV test is negative, knowing this will help you explore ways to remain HIV-negative.