There are many ways to get tested for HIV. The type of test you take may depend on where you get tested. Some places offer rapid tests where you can get your results in 20 minutes. Some rapid tests use oral-fluid collected by a swab, while other rapid tests use a small amount of blood from a finger-stick. Other places send a blood sample to a lab and results are available within several days.

The time between when someone has contracted the virus and when a test may be able to detect it is called the window period.  This time can vary based on the type of test you take however it is generally agreed that a test can detect HIV between 10 days at earliest and 90 days at the longest.  If you seek testing, they will explain the window period as it relates to the test you are getting.

If your test comes back negative, and you haven’t had exposure during the window period for the test you took, you can be confident you don’t have HIV. You can take actions to prevent HIV, such as using PrEP.

If your rapid test is positive, it will need to be followed up with a blood sample sent to a lab to confirm the results.

If that confirmatory test result is positive, the lab will conduct follow-up tests. If you receive a positive test result, you can take medicine to treat HIV (called antiretroviral therapy or ART), which protects your health and prevents transmission to others. You may be able to start treatment the same day you get your test result.

If you think you have been exposed to HIV very recently, there are medications called Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) that you can take to help prevent infection. These medications must be started lo later than 72 hours from the time of possible exposure.

Where To Get Tested?

There are several ways you can be tested for HIV. The traditional method is to go to an agency or doctor that can test you. Here is a list of places in Alameda County where you can find HIV testing.  This could also be your own doctor or medical provider.

There is a service called TakeMeHome that has a website where you can ask for HIV, STD, and HCV test kits sent to your home so you can test yourself in the privacy of your home. There are people available who can talk to you to answer questions or concerns about the test and your particular situation.

You can also purchase a home test kit at a drug store or supermarket without having to wait or give anyone your information such as your name and address. The only FDA approved at home HIV test is the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test.

Additional information about HIV testing can be found at HIV Testing Overview | HIV.gov.