How to Get Tested for HIV

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Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Knowing your status is vital, especially if you are at a higher risk for contracting the virus (such as from engaging in unprotected sexual activity or sharing needles with someone). [1] If you have a regular doctor, you may be able to get tested at their office. If you don’t have a primary doctor or are uninsured, find a local testing center that offers free services, or buy a home test kit. While HIV is presently incurable, testing positive isn’t a death sentence. With early detection and treatment, many people who are HIV-positive lead full, normal lives.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Finding a Testing Center

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  1. It’s recommended that people between ages 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of their routine care. [2] Additionally, you should get tested if you have practiced unprotected sex or shared needles within the last 3 months. [3]
    • Discuss your risk factors, such as blood transfusions from outside the US or between 1977 and 1985, with your primary doctor and ask how often you should be tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI).
    • In general, you should get tested at least once a year if you've had more than 1 sexual partner since your last test, have had unprotected sex, have had sex with an HIV-positive partner or someone who could potentially be infected, are a gay or bisexual man, use intravenous drugs, have contracted another STI, or have exchanged sex for drugs or money. [4]
    • Additionally, you should get tested if you've had sex with anyone who falls into one of these categories. For instance, a woman who's had sex with a bisexual man since her last HIV test should get tested again.
    • Consider getting tested if you’ve recently been diagnosed with or treated for an STD, hepatitis, or tuberculosis.
  2. If you don’t have a primary doctor or health insurance, you should be able to find a nearby testing center or health clinic that offers free or affordable services. [5] Try searching online for “free HIV testing center,” along with your country, state, or province. [6]
    • In a clinical setting, such as a doctor’s office or testing center, you’ll likely have a blood sample collected for testing. Some testing centers also offer rapid oral tests, which generate results in 20 to 40 minutes.
    • In the United States, search for local testing centers at https://gettested.cdc.gov . You can also call 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636) or text your ZIP code to KNOW IT (566948).
    • If you live in the European Union, look for local testing centers at https://ecdc.europa.eu/en/test-finder .
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  3. There are 2 types of home test kits available. The first involves pricking your finger to collect a blood sample, sending the sample to a laboratory, and calling the lab for results. The second is a rapid oral test that offers at-home results within 20 to 40 minutes. [7]
    • Look for home test kits approved by your nation’s regulatory agency, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or, in Europe, products that bear the European Conformity mark (CE).
    • As of 2018, self-testing isn’t legally available in some nations, such as Canada. However, many countries that formerly banned self-testing have reversed their policies. The United Kingdom, for instance, now offers free home test kits at https://www.test.hiv .
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Taking Specific HIV Tests

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  1. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to HIV, your doctor may order a NAT, which detects the virus itself. A NAT is a blood test that can detect an infection within 1 to 4 weeks after exposure to HIV, which is faster than other tests. [8]
    • Other tests detect the antigens and antibodies that the body produces in response to HIV. Typically, antibodies don't show up in detectable quantities until 3 to 12 weeks after infection.
    • NATs are expensive and are usually only recommended if it’s likely that a person has recently been exposed to HIV. Examples include having unprotected sex or sharing intravenous needles with an HIV-positive partner.
  2. As of 2018, the most common HIV test in the United States detects both antigens antibodies in the blood. Your healthcare provider will draw a blood sample, then send it to a lab for testing. If you’re getting tested as part of your annual physical, your sample will likely be tested for other STI as well. [9]
    • There are no side effects, but the area on your arm where blood was drawn might be tender for 1 or 2 days.
    • Results usually take at least 48 hours. In the U.S., if you get tested at your doctor’s office, your results are confidential. This means they’re part of your medical record, but protected by privacy laws. If you're concerned about privacy, some testing centers offer anonymous testing.
  3. If you are unable to go to a doctor, you can purchase a saliva testing kit, which will give you results in as little as 15 minutes, from a pharmacy. [10] Swab your upper and lower gums with the test device, then place the device into the developing solution. The device’s indicator will either show 1 line, which means negative, or 2 lines, which means positive. [11]
    • Read your product’s instructions carefully, and use it as directed.
    • Home oral test kits do not reliably detect HIV infections until at least 3 months after exposure. Additionally, about 1 in 12 negative results are false negatives. A false negative is when a negative test result is wrong and fails to detect an infection.
  4. Blood tests are used to check for HIV antibodies or the presence of the virus in the blood. [12] To use a home collection kit, prick the tip of your finger with the included device. Typically, you’ll then collect a drop of blood with special paper, place the sample in a container, and send it to a lab for testing. [13]
    • Your kit includes a number to call for results, which may be available within 1 business day. No identifying information is tied to the tested sample, so your results are anonymous.
    • Home blood collection kits can reliably detect an infection earlier than home oral tests, but not as early as blood tests drawn from a vein in a clinical setting.
  5. If your results were negative, regular testing is still wise, especially if you fall into a higher risk group. Additionally, a negative result does not mean it’s okay to engage in risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex or intravenous drug use. [14]
    • Get tested every 6 to 12 months if you have had more than 1 sexual partner since your last test, have had unprotected sex, are a gay or bisexual man, have been diagnosed with another STI, use intravenous drugs, or have exchanged sex for drugs or money. [15]
    • You should also get tested if you’ve had sex with anyone who fits into any of these categories, or if you’ve had sex with someone and don’t know their sexual history.
    • Keep in mind test results may not be reliable within 3 months of exposure. This means if someone contracts HIV and gets tested less than 3 months after exposure, it’s possible that their test results will be negative.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Dealing with a Positive Test Result

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  1. If you’ve received positive results, the first step is to get a follow-up test. If you received a blood test in a clinical setting, such as your doctor’s office or a testing center, the lab will likely retest the same sample. If you took a rapid oral test, you’ll need to get a follow-up blood test. [16]
    • An HIV diagnosis requires both a positive initial test and positive follow-up test.
  2. If you were tested at your doctor’s office, they’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan. If not, testing centers and home test kit manufacturers offer counseling services that can help you find a healthcare provider. [17]
    • You’ll need to start antiretroviral therapy (ART) as soon as possible. Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, trouble sleeping, fatigue and dizziness. Not everyone experiences side effects, and symptoms often subside after a few weeks.
    • With early detection and treatment, it’s possible to achieve undetectable status. A person who’s undetectable has a much lower risk of transmitting HIV to others. Keep in mind low-risk doesn’t mean no risk, and it’s still important to practice safe sex.
  3. In the U.S., insurers are required to cover HIV medications but, even if you're insured, copays and deductibles can still get expensive. If you need help paying for your medication, there are a number of federal resources and charitable organizations that provide assistance. [18]
  4. Being diagnosed with HIV is a life-changing event. A counselor can help you cope with the diagnosis and guide you through the early stages of treatment. Your doctor or testing center can put you in touch with free or affordable counseling services. [19]
    • You can also look for a local support group for people living with HIV/AIDS. Talking to people in similar circumstances can remind you that you’re not alone.
  5. Disclosing your status is uncomfortable, but it’s required by law in some locations. Early detection is an essential part of managing HIV, so it’s vital to inform your sexual partners and anyone else at risk of exposure as soon as possible. [20]
    • If you’re nervous about disclosing your status, your doctor or local HIV care center may offer partner notification services. If so, they’ll inform your former sexual or needle-sharing partners without revealing your identity. [21]
    • If you choose to inform a former or current partner in person, do your best to relax, and try to be matter-of-fact. Say, “This is a difficult subject, but I recently learned that I’m HIV-positive. If you haven’t been tested, you should check your status.”
  6. To avoid transmitting HIV to others, always use condoms during sex. If your partner is HIV-negative, they should also consider taking PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis. This is a daily medication that lowers the risk of HIV transmission. [22]
    • While PrEP lowers the risk of HIV transmission, it’s still vital to use condoms during sex. Even if your partner is positive, safe sex practice are still important. It’s possible to contract multiple strains of HIV.
    • Additionally, avoid using intravenous drugs or sharing needles, razors, or other hygiene products that could be exposed to bodily fluids, such as blood or semen.
    • If you use needles for medical purposes, such as to inject insulin or monitor glucose levels, discard used needles a sharps container.
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      Warnings

      • Remember that a negative test result doesn’t make it okay to engage in risky behaviors. Always practice safe sex , and ask about a potential partner’s status and sexual history before having sex. [23]
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      • If you’ve had a fever or illness and you don’t know the cause, or if you’ve been told you have an infection due to a weakened immune system, consider getting a test.
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      References

      1. ↑ Prokupek, Dale, MD. Personal interview. 16 April 2020.
      2. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html
      3. ↑ Prokupek, Dale, MD. Personal interview. 16 April 2020.
      4. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/library/factsheets/hiv-testing-101-info-sheet.pdf
      5. ↑ Prokupek, Dale, MD. Personal interview. 16 April 2020.
      6. ↑ https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-testing/learn-about-hiv-testing/where-to-get-tested
      7. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/hometests.html
      8. ↑ https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-testing/learn-about-hiv-testing/hiv-testing-overview
      9. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html
      1. ↑ Prokupek, Dale, MD. Personal interview. 16 April 2020.
      2. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm310545.htm
      3. ↑ Prokupek, Dale, MD. Personal interview. 16 April 2020.
      4. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/hometests.html
      5. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html
      6. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/library/factsheets/hiv-testing-101-info-sheet.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-testing/learn-about-hiv-testing/understanding-hiv-test-results
      8. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/livingwithhiv/treatment.html
      9. ↑ https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/hiv-treatment/paying-for-hiv-care-and-treatment
      10. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html
      11. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/livingwithhiv/telling-others.html
      12. ↑ https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-testing/just-diagnosed-whats-next/talking-about-your-hiv-status
      13. ↑ https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-testing/learn-about-hiv-testing/understanding-hiv-test-results
      14. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/actagainstaids/campaigns/starttalking/convo.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get tested for HIV, ask your doctor, who will schedule you for a blood test. Don't worry if you don’t have a doctor or health insurance, since you can find a test center in your local area with free or affordable services. Try searching online for “free HIV testing center,” along with your country, state, or province. If you'd rather not visit a center, you can pick up a home test kit online or at a local pharmacy, which involves either a blood sample from a finger prick or an oral swab. However, keep in mind that oral tests are also the least reliable, so you should follow up any positive result with a blood test to make sure. If you test positive for HIV, try to start your treatment as soon as possible to fight the virus. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to get assistance paying for HIV treatment, read on!

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