After the Test

After the Test

Exploring the essential role of AHF’s testing counselors

GUEST BIOS:

Steven Holmes is an HIV testing counselor for AHF based in New York City.

Randy Hubing is also an HIV testing counselor with 14 years of experience at AHF.

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[1:44] - More than Testing

The vital role of HIV testing counselors

What does an HIV testing counselor do? It’s more than just getting a “positive” or “negative.” HIV testing counselors also encourage people to improve their sexual health and habits, make safer choices, and understand the history and context of HIV — particularly in the gay community.

Testing counselors also help those with positive results navigate into the next step — helping them feel comfortable, cared for, and prepared for what comes next both in their lives and in their relationship with AHF as a patient. 

[8:54] - Connections and Invitations

Meeting people and getting them tested

How do our counselors connect with individuals and encourage them to get tested? It starts with the confidence to speak openly with people from all different backgrounds — “Hi, my name is Randy, and we’re going to have about 20 minutes of conversation about sex.”

That level of comfort doesn’t come easy. It’s cultivated and mastered over time by our expert counselors. After all, that willingness to connect with individuals about sometimes taboo topics could save a life.

[14:14] - Why Testing Matters

Honoring history by refusing to repeat it

Steven and Randy recall the early 80s, when so little was known about HIV that it was being referred to as “gay cancer.” Back then, things like testing, counseling, and organizations such as AHF were nonexistent. 

Today, all those resources exist — and it’s in patients’ best interest to take advantage of them. Not only does early testing lead to better outcomes, but from the viewpoint of older activists like Randy who can list loved ones who suffered and died in those early, ignorant days, it’s an act of tribute to those who didn’t have an option to test or receive support.

[19:13] - Testing Positive: What to Expect

What happens when a patient receives that difficult news?

Randy and Steven walk us through what it looks like for a patient who tests positive.

First, it’s important that they understand the initial “one-line-or-two” test is a screening test, not a diagnosis. In all likelihood, a positive result means they have the virus — but not always. Additional testing, such as a blood test, is required for a confirmed diagnosis.

That said, linkage between the patient and AHF begins immediately. They’ll receive support, contact information, and all the info they need to feel informed and empowered about their potential diagnosis. In many cases, they’ll even have the opportunity to start on medications before that confirmation test comes back.

The sooner you start medication, the sooner you become what’s known as undetectable — that means the virus is present in such small quantities in your body that it’s not actively affecting the immune system and is significantly less likely to be passed along to someone else.

RESOURCES:

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AIDS Healthcare Foundation is the world’s largest HIV/AIDS service organization, operating in 45 countries globally. The mission? Providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy for everyone, r