Taking the Test: What's Your Experience?

Olivia Ford, Community Manager, TheBody.com; Brooklyn, N.Y.

I went to a gynecologist and was given a form to sign acknowledging that I had been offered an HIV test, been made aware of and counseled on my potential risk factors, etc., so obviously they were either independently conscientious or aware of CDC's recommendation around HIV screening in health care settings. I signed the bottom of the form, assuming I was about to get my counsel on with my groovy, CDC-compliant new GYN. Lies! She did not say a single word about HIV or that form throughout the entire appointment. Providing a form telling people they'll eventually be offered an HIV test does not replace actually offering the test. Checking boxes on a form doesn't equal knowing your HIV status and, if needed, getting into care!