Olin Front
HIV Education, Counseling & Testing

 

The HIV Education, Counseling and Testing program is offered through Health Education Services. The HIV Education information packet must be completed by all persons requesting anonymous or confidential testing. The packet contains the HIV and HIV Testing brochure and the HIV Knowledge Assessment Quiz (Pre-Test Form). There is no charge for the anonymous testing for MSU faculty, staff or students.

Purpose

The purpose of the HIV Education, Counseling and Testing Program is to provide:

  • Education to disseminate important information about HIV, such as high risk behaviors, transmission modes and methods of risk reduction; the process of HIV antibody testing, the benefits and risks of testing; and the difference between testing positive for HIV and being diagnosed with having AIDS.
  • Behavioral Intervention to promote the practice of safer sex.
  • A Safe and Supportive Environment in which clients can have their concerns addressed.
  • Referrals for clients with appropriate medical, psychological, legal, social, educational and patient advocate needs to community-based support services and networks.

General Procedures for HIV Antibody Testing

1. HIV Education Component See a Health Education staff person in room 371 (Monday through Friday) to obtain an educational packet and passport. The materials are specific to HIV education and the antibody test and take about 40 minutes to read. Read all the materials provided in the packet and complete the enclosed forms.

2. Counseling Component Once you have satisfactorily completed the educational component, you may use the "Passport" card received with the educational materials to schedule an anonymous counseling appointment in health education. Prior to the appointment you must complete the forms enclosed in the educational packet and bring the forms with you to your first appointment. The procedures for scheduling the appointments are detailed in the materials you receive in the education component.

The pre-test counseling appointment is for 30 minutes and is with a health educator. During this appointment your reason(s) for requesting the antibody test are discussed, your individual risk(s) are assessed, and your personal questions or concerns will be addressed. The required paperwork and lab forms will also be completed. The counselor will help you determine whether an oral or blood test would be best. The oral swab is taken in Health Education. If you need the blood test option, you will then proceed to Olin's laboratory to have your blood drawn which may take an additional 10 - 15 minutes.

The 15 minute post-test counseling appointment is again with a health educator and is scheduled seven days after the initial pre-test appointment. During this appointment, your test results will be discussed and you may receive referrals or resource information if you have additional concerns.

Anonymous and Confidential Testing Options

You have the choice between being tested anonymously or confidentially. You may tell us your choice of options when you are in the counseling appointment with the health educator. There is essentially no difference between the anonymous and confidential options in the education component, scheduling, counseling component, the type or quality of the test nor in the turn-around time for receiving test results.

The major difference between confidential and anonymous testing is in the documentation of the appointments and test results in your medical record.

  • Anonymous antibody testing is offered free of charge to MSU students, staff and faculty. Anonymous clients cannot receive an official written record of their visits or subsequent test results since no identifying information is recorded and no notation of the visit or test results are documented in the individual's medical record.
  • Confidential antibody testing is also offered and an official copy of the test result may be obtained by the client. Identifying information is collected and the visit and test results are documented in the client's medical record.


HIV and HIV Testing brochure (pdf)*
HIV Knowledge Assessment Quiz (Pre-Test Form) (pdf)*

*Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to read PDF documents.

For more information please call:

Olin Health Center
Health Education Services
Center for Sexual Health Promotion
Room 371
East Circle Drive
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: 353-0718

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