What do hiv tests look for

Many different settings offer testing including:. To find a site near you, use the HIV. HIV is usually diagnosed by testing your blood or a sample of cells taken with a swab from inside your cheek for the presence of antibodies to the virus.

HIV tests vary in how soon they are able to detect infection. The time between when you get the virus and when it can be detected is called the window period. It can take up to three to 12 weeks for your body to make enough antibodies for an antibody test to detect HIV infection. It usually takes a few days to a few weeks to get results of an HIV test, although rapid HIV tests can produce results in about 20 minutes.

Regardless of the type of screening test used, if you have an initial positive result you'll need follow-up testing to establish an HIV diagnosis. Several rapid tests offer highly accurate information within as little as 20 minutes.

These tests look for antibodies to HIV using either:. You'll get results in 20 minutes. A positive test result means you'll need a follow-up test. The maker of the test offers confidential counseling and referral to follow-up testing sites. Doctors' offices or other health care settings will likely follow the CDC recommendations for testing:. No test can confirm HIV infection immediately after you're exposed.

Tests that provide the earliest results are those that:. Tests that detect antibodies take longer. To get accurate results, you'll need to have been infected for at least three weeks.

False-positive and false-negative test results can occur. Doctors will use a variety of tests in sequence an algorithm until they determine for certain that you are either HIV -negative or HIV -positive.

If you were only recently exposed to HIV , you could test negative for HIV antibodies because your body hasn't had time to create them yet. You'll need to be retested for HIV antibodies in three months, and until then, practice safe sex. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Types of HIV Tests.

Minus Related Pages. What kinds of tests are available, and how do they work? HIV Testing. HIV Testing Topics. Other Resources. Get tailored information about your risk and learn how to protect yourself. Home Tests The only home test approved by the U. Saliva Tests A cotton pad is used to obtain saliva from the inside of your cheek. The pad is placed in a vial and submitted to a laboratory for testing.

Results are available in three days. Positive results should be confirmed with a blood test. Generally, it's used to monitor treatment progress or detect early HIV infection. The basic principles of these tests are similar.