HIV is a sexually transmitted disease (that can be spread outside of sexual contact) known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It is the virus that causes AIDS. This condition damages your immune system and can lead to serious illness, infections and many other symptoms. 1. The first part is an initial blood screen. A negative result means there are no HIV antibodies and p24 antigen in your blood. 2. If the screen is positive, the lab will run a confirmation test called an HIV 1 / 2 Antibody differentiation test. This confirmation test will determine an HIV-1 or HIV-2 virus. You should be tested for HIV if you: • Had unprotected sex. The greatest chance of becoming HIV infected is by having contact with an infected person’s blood, semen or vaginal secretions. • Have an existing sexual transmitted disease (because it increases your chances of becoming HIV infected). • Share needles. Even if you’ve been infected with HIV, you may not know it right away because you can look and feel healthy for many years afterward. It’s important to know that you have to be HIV infected (HIV positive) and turn ill to have AIDS. While HIV antibodies can be discovered 3 months after exposure, it’s best to be certain by being tested again at 6 months.