General Information
- Location and Hours
- Health Care Services
- Use of Health Center
- Health Fee and Insurance
- Accident and Sickness Insurance
- Health Center Staff
- Immunization Requirements
- Available Birth Control
- Health Articles/Brochures
- Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)
251 Main Street
Farmington, ME 04938
Phone: (207) 778-7200
FAX: (207) 778-8183
TDD: (207) 778-7000
e-Mail:
tshaw@maine.edu
Testing for HIV
What is the HIV test?
The HIV test looks for HIV antibodies. HIV antibodies are special proteins that
your body would produce only if you were exposed to HIV.
What is the HIV test like?
There are two ways to be tested for HIV. A test counselor will either
draw your blood or take a swab of your cheek cells. Your test is then sent to
the state lab, and your results will return to the Student Health Center in ten
days. You must return to the Student Health Center to get your results. You can
walk in without an appointment Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and
Friday 9:00 - 4:30 p.m. We will not give results over the phone.
Why should I take the test?
There are many good reasons to be tested for HIV. Many people who are tested
want to know their HIV status for peace of mind, to protect their sex partners,
or before having a baby. Getting tested is also a good idea when a person has
shared needles for drugs or tattooing, experienced blackouts from drug or
alcohol use, or has had unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Early diagnosis
before becoming ill allows you to benefit from the new anti-AIDS drugs which can
potentially keep you healthy for decades.
When should I not take the test?
If you feel that you would not be able to deal with the results of
your test, or that you might hurt yourself if you knew your HIV status, now is not
a good time for you to be tested.
What does a positive test result mean?
A positive test means that you are carrying the virus and are capable of
infecting other people through unprotected sex and needle-sharing. A positive
test does not mean that you have AIDS, or that you will develop AIDS. If you
have a positive test we will help you find medical and social resources.
What does a negative test mean?
A negative result means that no HIV antibodies were found in your blood.
Either you were not exposed to HIV, or you were exposed recently and your body
needs more time to make enough antibodies to show up in the test. If you think
you were exposed to HIV during the six months before your test you may want to
be retested.
Will anyone know that I was tested?
HIV testing is private. We use only a number to identify your test,
never your name. We will not write in your chart that you were tested for HIV,
and we shred all test results after they are given.
You can be tested for HIV at the Student Health Center. No appointment is necessary.