Before taking the test with us, an interview with one of our activists will allow you to expand your knowledge of the modes of transmission of HIV and other STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and assess your exposure to the risk of contamination. Understanding the modes of transmission is the best way to make the right choices to protect yourself and others.

• If you've never been tested, this is the only way to know if you have HIV or not.
• If you don't always protect yourself when having sex, it is recommended that you get tested at least once a year.
• If you are planning on living as a couple, both of you should get tested before stopping using a condom.
• If you have been/are an intravenous drug user and have shared injecting equipment with other people, it is best to get tested for HIV / Hepatitis.

Please note : In addition to screening for HIV, it is also recommended to screen for hepatitis and STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections).

HIV/AIDS SCREENING:

*HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus:

When a person is infected, HIV gradually attacks certain cells that coordinate immunity (i.e., the body's defenses against microbes).

*AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome:

Without effective treatment, the cells that coordinate immunity may become fewer and fewer, and immunity may become less effective. This may lead to increasingly serious diseases developing. Some diseases are called "opportunistic diseases" because they take advantage of diminished immunity to develop. When a person has one or more of these diseases, they are said to have AIDS.

There are different types of tests to find out if you have HIV/AIDS:

• Classic test ( ELISA ): the blood screening test looks for the presence of antibodies in the blood, proof of infection. It is reliable if carried out six weeks after taking a risk: a period of 1.5 month must have elapsed after the last risk.
• Rapid test: The TROD (Rapid Diagnostic Orientation Test) provides results in 30 minutes maximum. It works using a few drops of blood taken from a fingertip. A period of 3 months (12 weeks) must have elapsed since the last risk-taking. If the rapid test is positive, it must be confirmed by a conventional screening test (ELISA), carried out in a laboratory or a CeGIDD (Free Information, Screening and Diagnostic Center).
• Self-test: The HIV self-test allows screening for HIV, the AIDS virus. It is performed using a drop of blood and a lancing device, in the conditions that suit you best: alone, with a friend, with your doctor, in a pharmacy, etc. The HIV self-test is reliable for a risk taken more than three months (12 weeks) ago. The result is obtained after 15 minutes.

HEPATITIS SCREENING:

Hepatitis A is caused by the HAV virus, which is usually transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food (shellfish, polluted water). However, it can also be transmitted sexually during oral-anal sex (rimming).

Hepatitis B is an easily transmitted HBV infection. In France, many infections occur sexually. Only hepatitis B is a fully sexually transmitted infection, but other hepatitis types can, under certain conditions, be contracted during sexual activity.

Hepatitis C is not considered an STI since it is mainly transmitted through blood exchange. Transmission through sexual intercourse can occur in cases of:

• of periods
• unprotected anal intercourse
• traumatic (damaging the mucous membranes) or "hard" (fist, etc.) intercourse.

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C:

When to get tested? A hepatitis B and C screening test may be considered if you answer positively at least once to one of the following statements:

• I was transfused before 1992
• I have tried drugs (even a long time ago) either by snorting or by injection, or I have shared small injection equipment
• I had major surgery
• I was hospitalized for heavy treatment
• My mother is a carrier of the hepatitis B or C virus
• My partner is a carrier of the hepatitis B or C virus
• One of my close family members is a carrier of the hepatitis B or C virus
• I have had transcutaneous medical examinations or acupuncture
• I got a piercing or a tattoo
• I was incarcerated at one point in my life
• I have liver disease or jaundice.

AIDES offers you, in complete confidentiality :

• Information, condoms, gel and risk reduction materials
• HIV (AIDS virus) rapid test
• Rapid HCV (Hepatitis C) Test
• Rapid HBV (Hepatitis B) Test
• HIV self-tests.

It is recommended to be screened for all STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections: chlamydia, gonococcus, etc.) also in a city laboratory or at CEGIDD.

In France, it is possible to take an HIV, STI and hepatitis screening test :

• in a CEGIDD (Free Information, Screening and Diagnostic Center)
• in a medical analysis laboratory (with or without a prescription depending on the laboratory)
• in association premises such as AIDES or in authorized mobile devices (TROD)
• at the location of their choice with an HIV self-test.

In the event of a positive result, we are there to support you and assist you in your various procedures (rights, care, etc.). More info on the sheets "Breaking isolation" and "Being supported".

To find the AIDES location nearest you, please consult the interactive map below and call us to check our hours.