To determine whether you have an infection of your digestive tract due to disease-causing pathogenic bacteria parasites or viruses Specimen:A fresh stool sample collected in a clean container the stool sample should not be contaminated with urine or water once it has been collected the stool should either be taken to the laboratory within two hours after collection or transferred into special transport vials containing preservative solutions When To Get Tested: When you have signs and symptoms such as diarrhea abdominal cramps nausea and or vomiting when you have blood or mucus in your loose stools Test Preparation:None Normal Test Result: A blood sugar level less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is normal

To determine if you are infected with human immunodeficiency virus HIV Specimen:A blood sample collected from a vein in your arm or from a fingerstick there are also HIV antibody tests available that can be performed on oral fluid When To Get Tested: At least once when you are 13 to 64 years old when you think you may have been exposed to the virus before becoming pregnant or when pregnant once a year if you are at increased risk of being exposed to the virus Test Preparation:None Normal Test Result:

If you have been diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus HIV initially to determine the status of the infection and subsequently to monitor the effectiveness of antiretroviral treatment Specimen:A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm When To Get Tested: When first diagnosed with HIV 2 to 8 weeks after the start of therapy or therapy changes then every 4 to 8 weeks until the viral load is not detectable then every 3 to 4 months if you are on stable therapy and the virus remains suppressed after two years of this viral load testing frequency may be decreased to every 6 months Test Preparation:None Normal Test Result: