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Want to know what we’re up to and why? We’ve got answers.
why should I have an HIV test?
It is currently estimated that 21% of people in the United States who are infected with HIV are unaware that they are infected.
why should I have an HIV test with Lead the Way?
There are three important reasons to test with Lead the Way.
what is required of a Lead the Way participant?
Lead the Way is a market research campaign that seeks to understand whether or not people will test for HIV if it’s made easily available to them. The campaign seeks to have every adult in the 92103 and 92104 zip codes answer the question, “Would you or wouldn’t you take an HIV test?”
who is administering this test?
All of our study testers are employees of the University of California, San Diego Antiviral Research Center (AVRC).
are my results confidential?
Yes! All of the information that we plan to collect will be kept completely confidential.
what if i test postive?
If you test positive, we will offer you the chance to come to the UCSD Antiviral Research Center (AVRC) in central Hillcrest to meet with a study nurse trained in providing HIV counseling and prevention education.
what if I already had an HIV test?
Even if you have already been tested, we would still like you to participate in the Lead the Way research study.
what is the difference between the HIV Rapid Test and the HIV Early Test?
The Early Test is actually a combination of HIV specific tests used in sequence to both diagnose HIV infection and determine the stage (or duration) of infection in those who are HIV infected.
do I have to participate in the Early Test? What are the alternatives?
Participation is voluntary. You do not have to participate in this study.
what is the survey for?
The short survey included as part of the Lead the Way study will help us to better understand the major reasons why people in the general population do or do not test for HIV.
what are you doing with this data?
The scientists conducting this study are interested in the results of HIV testing and questionnaire data from an entire population or subgroup, they are not planning to review the specific data of each individual person who participates.
what if I already know I am negative?
Even if you know you are negative, we would still like you to participate in our research study.
what if I already know I am positive?
Even if you are already positive, we would still like you to participate in our research study.
what if I test with my regular doctor?
Even if you test with your doctor, we would still like you to participate in our research study.
is there any risk to participating in the Early Test?
Participating in this study involves some risks:
what is the AVRC?
The UCSD Antiviral Research Center is a university-based nonprofit clinical trials unit established in 1986.
why are you going door-to-door?
One of the goals of our research study is to try different ways of providing HIV testing to see if any method encourages more people to get tested than the others.
who else is participating?
Lead the Way is being conducted by the Antiviral Research Center (AVRC), which is a program of the University of California, San Diego.
