How to Request an HIV Test from Your Doctor

Having HIV can be a deeply personal and sensitive issue, but getting tested is an important step towards maintaining your health. Here's how you can approach your doctor about it.

Using Blood Donation as a Test

If discussing the matter with a familiar office setting makes you uncomfortable, consider donating blood. In many places, such as New York City, blood donation forms often indicate that your blood will be tested for HIV. Additionally, individuals who test positive are recorded in a database, which might be a concern for some. However, this should not deter you from getting tested if it is important for your health.

Appropriate Attitude of Doctors

Doctors are trained to handle sensitive and sometimes uncomfortable topics with professionalism. They are not as judgmental as you might think. They frequently encounter situations where they need to conduct intimate examinations or notice unusual health conditions. Doctors aim to prevent and fix issues with the human body, and having a virus like HIV is just another aspect of health they work with.

Saying you want an HIV test is seen by most decent doctors as a responsible and admirable step. Your doctor will value your proactive approach to your health and hope that more people take such responsibility.

Directly Requesting the Test

If you're unsure about how to bring it up, you can simply ask your doctor or nurse practitioner (NP) to order an HIV test. But remember, doctors and NPs cannot read minds. If you don't specifically request the test, it won't be done. So, be clear and direct in your request, such as, 'Can you please order an HIV test? Thank you.'

Preparing for the Conversation

When discussing the HIV test, be prepared for your doctor or NP to ask about your sexual history or behavior. These conversations can sometimes be challenging or uncomfortable, particularly as topics related to sex are often taboo in medical settings. However, it's crucial to have open and honest communication with your healthcare provider to ensure you receive the best advice and care. Remember, getting tested is an important step towards your health and overall well-being.

As part of my annual physical checkup, I routinely request an HIV test. Since the blood draw is already part of the routine, it’s just one more thing to add to the checkup without any extra fuss. This practice not only fulfills an important health measure but also supports the broader goal of keeping patients healthy and contributing to community health.

The role of a doctor extends beyond just treating illness. Health professionals are there to maintain their patients' overall health and, to a certain extent, the health of the community. By gathering information about a person's health status, doctors can better fulfill their mission of prevention and treatment.