Today is National HIV Testing Day in America

"Take the Test, Take Control" is the key phrase in this year's push to have every American between the ages of 13 and 64 tested for the HIV virus, and today is the day to do it. Thousands of organizations are offering HIV testing throughout the country.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone be tested routinely when undergoing an annual physical exam, and for pregnant women early in the obstetrical care. These precautions can help diagnose HIV in the early stages and help eliminate the spread of HIV to newborns. Early diagnosis is critical, and yet almost 40 percent of the people with HIV are not diagnosed until they have developed AIDS, according to the CDC.

No insurance? No annual physical exam? Not sure where to go? The National HIV and STD Testing Resource web site has a list of where you can go in your area. Just type in your zip code and up pops nearby clinics. (I found 9 in my immediate area.) The testing is simple, usually done by drawing a small amount of blood, although saliva and urine tests are also available at some sites. Rapid results are available within half an hour, although typically the tests take several days to process.

Too embarrassed to go to a clinic or your own doctor? Or do you live in an isolated area where not clinics are available? There is one FDA home testing kit called the Home Access HIV-1 Test System. The kit is available at many drug stores and via the internet. The testing procedure involves pricking a finger with a special device, placing drops of blood on a specially treated card, and then mailing the card in to be tested at a licensed laboratory. Customers are given an identification number to use when phoning in for the results. The cost runs about $50.

Join in, and "Take the Test, Take Control."