Getting a HIV test

NeedleWhen someone is infected with HIV, their body will start to produce antibodies against this virus. An HIV test can determine if these antibodies are present in the blood.

If the test determines that there are antibodies, it means that the person is seropositive and that he/she is indeed has HIV in the blood.

What happens when you get tested?

Before you get tested, the doctor may talk to you about certain positives and negatives. Here on Curacao, you can get tested by your doctor, skin specialist, the Poli or the AIDS Consultant Bureau of the Sint Elisabeth Hospital.

Many times you can come back between 1 and 2 weeks to get your results. You'll get your result personally and not through a letter or the telephone. If the first result comes back positive, a second test will be done. Only after the second test comes back positive will the HIV be confirmed. Only the person testing you will know the result of your test. This result will be put in your medical file and will remain private between doctor and patient.

Click here to get more information on getting tested on the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba.