HIV Testing and Prevention During Pregnancy

Prenatal HIV Testing

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology gave the following recommendation in May 2000. "Every pregnant woman in the US, regardless of her apparent risk, should be tested for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as a routine part of prenatal care. The HIV test would not be mandatory - any woman would have the right to refuse testing. But we'd like to see HIV testing in pregnancy become routine and unexceptional." Even if you feel that you are not at risk for HIV, if you are thinking of getting pregnant or are already pregnant, you should ask your doctor about getting an HIV test. If the test is positive, medications are available that reduce the risk of giving the virus to your baby.

"OraQuick" Rapid HIV Test

The Utah Department of Health began piloting the OraQuick Ò rapid HIV test in August 2003. You can now receive a rapid (same day result) HIV test at most local health departments and some community-based organizations throughout the state. The rapid test is over 99% accurate, and almost pain free. It requires a finger prick with just a drop of blood. Before the end of 2004 the new OraQuick Ò ADVANCE rapid test will be available to test oral samples as well as blood. For more information, please visit www.orasure.com .

Ways to Prevent HIV Infection

You can get HIV three ways: through having sex with an infected person (oral, anal or vaginal), blood-to-blood (sharing needles), and from an infected mother to her child. You can reduce your risk of getting HIV by not having sex, by having sex with one uninfected partner who is only having sex with you, or by always using male or female condoms when having sex. For information on the female condom, please visit www.femalehealth.com .

Do not share needles for any purpose, including body piercing, tattoos, vitamins, steroids or drugs. If you test positive for HIV, you can decrease the risk of giving it to your baby by taking antiretroviral medication during your pregnancy. Your baby will also receive medication for the first six weeks after birth. If you test HIV positive, you should also avoid breastfeeding as breast milk can also transmit the virus.

World AIDS Day, December 1st, Free HIV Testing Available

World AIDS Day is on Wednesday, December 1 st . There will be free HIV testing available (both conventional and rapid) at many locations throughout the state. For a complete listing of testing times and locations as well as information on other activities, please visit www.aidsinfoutah.org .

HIV/AIDS Hotlines: 1-800-FON-AIDS and 1-800-537-1046 or in SLC (local) 538-6096