Module 2: Informed Consent
Completion requirements
Module 2: Informed Consent
Module 2: Informed Consent, Screen 8 of 15
Anonymous vs. Confidential Testing
Sylvia: When you tested last, do you remember if you tested anonymously or confidentially?
David: I don’t remember. I’m not sure what the difference is.
Sylvia: At our site, a client can test either way.
In an anonymous test, we don’t collect any identifying information. We use a code instead of your name. No one except you can connect your test result with who you are.
In a confidential test, we ask for your name, address, and other contact information. If you choose the confidential test, we can provide a written result. Some people want that. We can’t do that with the anonymous test. Also, if a confidential test is HIV-positive, we forward the result to the health department along with the person’s name. The health department’s database is very secure and used only to keep track of HIV statistics.
David: Why does the health department need my name?
Sylvia: Let’s imagine that someone tested positive at a hospital last year and then came here tomorrow and tested positive again. Without a name, those two results look like two different people. Reporting positive results by name is the simplest way to know how many people actually have HIV so we can direct funding and programs where they are needed the most.
David: That makes sense, I guess. I have a new boyfriend and I’d like to show him my results, so I think I’ll go with confidential.
Anonymous vs. Confidential Testing
Sylvia: When you tested last, do you remember if you tested anonymously or confidentially?David: I don’t remember. I’m not sure what the difference is.
Sylvia: At our site, a client can test either way.
In an anonymous test, we don’t collect any identifying information. We use a code instead of your name. No one except you can connect your test result with who you are.
In a confidential test, we ask for your name, address, and other contact information. If you choose the confidential test, we can provide a written result. Some people want that. We can’t do that with the anonymous test. Also, if a confidential test is HIV-positive, we forward the result to the health department along with the person’s name. The health department’s database is very secure and used only to keep track of HIV statistics.
David: Why does the health department need my name?
Sylvia: Let’s imagine that someone tested positive at a hospital last year and then came here tomorrow and tested positive again. Without a name, those two results look like two different people. Reporting positive results by name is the simplest way to know how many people actually have HIV so we can direct funding and programs where they are needed the most.
David: That makes sense, I guess. I have a new boyfriend and I’d like to show him my results, so I think I’ll go with confidential.