An HIV test is used to determine if someone has been infected withhuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Both point-of-care tests used in hospitals and clinics andat-home testsused at home are extremely accurate if used correctly.
However, they can deliver an incorrect result if the test is performed too soon after an exposure.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
It also looks at gaps in testing among people living with HIV.
The only exception is the NAT, which does require confirmation.
Test Accuracy
HIV tests are highly accurate if used correctly.
Verywell / Julie Bang
However, some testing methods aremore reliable than others.
Improper use or storage can also undermine the accuracy of a test.
By and large, point-of-care tests are more accurate than home-based tests due in part to user error.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
This translates to onefalse-positiveresult for every 250,000 tests.
Conditions that can trigger a false positive include syphilis, lupus, and Lyme disease.
Confirmatory testing will almost always weed out these incorrect findings.
This means that 1 of every 12 negative results is incorrect and the person tested actually has the virus.
Also, there are few risks.
Light-headedness and testing HIV positive are also possible.
Other testing options may be available.
Before the Test
The HIV test requires no preparation other than your readiness to take the test.
That said, HIV remains highly stigmatized, and people often avoid HIV testing out of fear of disclosure.
Confidentiality and HIV Testing
Concerns about confidentiality discourage many people from getting tested for HIV.
For some, these “secondary disclosures” are more distressing than the fact they have HIV.
Timing
Timing is an important part of HIV testing.
If you test too early, you will get a false-negative reading.
Even with the nucleic acid test, you should probably wait until the virus has replicated to detectable levels.
Depending on the test being performed, the process can take 3045 minutes.
Walk-in centers may take far longer.
Location
HIV tests are available at many medical and public health facilities.
Many of the sites offer walk-in testing.
Others require an appointment.
Even buying an at-home HIV test at a local drugstore poses risks.
Food and Drink
There are no food or drink restrictions for an HIV test.
Call in advance for details.
You should also check to see if the site accepts your insurance, if you have a plan.
If so, bring your insurance card.
Having support can be very important.
Check with your insurance provider to better understand your benefits in this regard.
The information is not shared with any other government agency.
A positive result may also be shared with your insurance company and the doctor who referred you for testing.
Your name or personal information is not shared in the disclosure.
Implementation of this requirement varies significantly.
PEP involves a 28-day course of two or threeantiretroviral drugsdepending on the severity of your exposure.
Speak with the office staff if you do not understand any part of the consent form.
Some of the information will be used for confidential reporting purposes; some to assist with counseling.
Pre-Test
Pre-test counseling is performed in a private room with a qualified health professional.
The questions are not meant to judge or embarrass you.
Rather, they help the counselor gain a better understanding of your personal risk of transmission.
Feel free to ask any questions you need.
There is no such thing as a bad question.
(The urine test, while approved, is rarely used in a clinical setting.
This is, in part, because it is less accurate than any of the other tests.)
Interpreting the Results
The time it takes to get your results can vary.
Many states mandate that the test results be delivered only in person.
HIV test results are not sent by mail.
Test results are interpreted as follows:
Post-test counseling is always performed, no matter your test results.
Coming to terms with an HIV diagnosis is a process.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
HIV treatmentshould ideally be started at the time of diagnosis.
Genetic tests may be used to identify which drugs work best for you.
You will have ongoing medical evaluations to monitor your condition for the rest of your life.
A testing schedule will be determined by your doctor.
A positive HIV diagnosis does not mean the same thing that it used to.
Many of the factors that discourage people from getting tested discourage them from staying with their treatment.
Whatever your response, accept that it is normal.
Some people might even feel a sense of relief from no longer having to wonder about their status.
This is not to suggest that living with HIV is without its challenges.
Yes, an infant born to an HIV-positive birthing parent can have HIV antibodies but not HIV.
To get an accurate result, children up to 18 months need viral diagnostic testing.
After that age, an antibody test should be accurate for detecting HIV.
U.S. Preventative Services Task Force.Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening.
National institutes for Health.HIV testing overview.
Arora DR, Maheshwari M, Arora B.Rapid point-of-care testing for detection of HIV and clinical monitoring.ISRN AIDS.
2013;2013:287269. doi:10.1155/2013/287269
Food and Drug Administration.OraQuick In-Home HIV Test.
Mathews A, Farley S, Conserve DF, et al.
Food and Drug Administration.Information regarding the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test.
2016 Dec 15;2016:6304820. doi:10.1155/2016/6304820
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Estimated HIV incidence and prevalence.
Stanford Children’s Health.AIDS/HIV in children.
