Why Test?
Testing is the gateway to everything: treatment, prevention, and protecting partners. Many infections have no symptoms—testing is the only way to know.
Who Should Get Tested?
- Everyone at least once between ages 13–64 as part of routine health care (“opt‑out” works well).
- People with ongoing risk (multiple partners, condomless sex, partner with HIV, STI diagnosis, injection drug use) should test at least annually; some groups (sexually active gay & bisexual men) may benefit from testing every 3–6 months.
- Pregnant people: Test during each pregnancy; earlier testing + treatment helps prevent perinatal transmission.
- Ages 15–65: Strong evidence supports routine screening across this range (USPSTF). Younger adolescents & older adults: test if risk factors.
Types of HIV Tests
Antibody tests (blood or oral fluid) – most rapid & self‑tests.
Antigen/antibody tests – detect p24 antigen earlier; common in labs; some rapid finger‑stick versions.
Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) – detects virus earliest; used for recent high‑risk exposures or early symptoms.
Window Period Basics
Different tests detect HIV at different times after exposure; if you test too soon, you may need a follow‑up test. Ask the testing site what type of test they use and when to retest.
What to Expect at a Testing Visit
- Brief risk & sexual health history (optional in some settings).
- Consent (often routine/opt‑out in medical care).
- Sample collected (finger stick blood, vein draw, or oral swab).
- Rapid test results in ~20–30 minutes; lab tests may take a few days.
- Staff explain results, next steps, and prevention or treatment options (PrEP, condoms, linkage to HIV care).