The HIV test can be done without a prescription. It involves taking a simple blood sample, and is free of charge in all public facilities (hospitals, university clinics, specialized clinics). According to Law 135 of 1990, it must be done in an anonymous and confidential manner; the result can only be communicated to the person who took the test. HIV-positive people are protected by law from any social, health, labor or other type of discrimination.
The anti-HIV test can identify the presence of specific antibodies that the body produces when it comes into contact with the HIV virus. The test result is only reliable after 6 months from the time of possible contagion.
If the test is negative, there is no infection, but contagion is not excluded in the preceding 3-6 months. If there was an instance of risky sex, the examination should be repeated six months later.
If the test is positive, this means that the infection has been contracted and can be transmitted to other people. In this case, you must rely on one of the specialized centers. Treatments are all free.
Foreigners, even those without a residence permit, can take the test under the same conditions as an Italian citizen.
For more up-to-date information on HIV infection, AIDS, and AIDS Specialist Centers, you can call the 800-861061 toll free number of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) from anywhere in Italy, which operates from Monday to Friday, from 1 pm to 6 pm.
