Getting Tested

An HIV test checks if you have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that weakens your immune system. Having a weaker immune system makes it harder for your body to fight off infections. In some cases, HIV can lead to AIDS, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.¹

Getting tested is important because early detection means you can start treatments to control the virus and prevent HIV from progressing to AIDS.¹

Types of HIV tests

To diagnose HIV, you will need either blood from your vein or fingertip or a swab of cells from your mouth. There are 3 types of tests:¹

• Antigen/antibody test – This test looks for HIV antigens (specifically p24, which appears early in infection) and antibodies. Antigens are part of the virus, and they show up before antibodies, so this test can detect HIV sooner than an antibody-only test.
• Antibody test – This test checks only for HIV antibodies, which your immune system makes to fight the virus.
• Nucleic acid test – This test detects HIV's genetic material (RNA) and measures how much of the virus is in your blood (viral load). It requires a blood draw and is more expensive, so doctors usually use it if you have symptoms or to monitor viral load after diagnosis.

For HIV screening, you will likely start with an antibody test or a combination antigen/antibody test. If the result is positive, follow-up testing will confirm the diagnosis.¹

Who should get tested for HIV?

Everyone between the ages of 15 and 65 should get tested at least once. All pregnant people should also be tested. Some behaviors raise your chances of getting HIV. You should get tested at least once a year if you:²

• Have sex with someone who is HIV positive
• Use needles for drugs (other than drugs your doctor prescribes)
• Exchange sex for things like drugs or money
• Have another STI

Men who have sex with men may need testing every 3 to 6 months. Talk to your doctor to figure out what is best for you.²

When to get tested

When you have HIV, your body makes antibodies to fight the virus. Most HIV tests check for these antibodies. But it takes time for the antibodies to build up in your system. It takes about 3 to 12 weeks after transmission for an HIV blood test to detect antibodies. For an at-home saliva test, it takes 2 to 3 months.³

How to get tested for HIV and costs

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, most insurers now cover HIV testing as part of routine healthcare. Most Medicaid programs and Medicare for beneficiaries ages 15 to 65 also cover HIV tests. This means you can get tested at your doctor’s office.⁴

If you are not insured, you may be able to get free or low-cost HIV testing at community health centers, mobile clinics, or specialized HIV testing sites. Check gettested.cdc.gov to find free or reduced-cost HIV testing options in your area.4⁵

An at-home test called OraQuick® is available in stores or online for people age 17 and older. As of this writing, OraQuick is the only test approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for at-home testing.¹

An OraQuick kit costs about $40. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and partners are also funding a program you can use to get 1 free OraQuick test kit every 90 days. The program is called Together TakeMeHome.^3,6

How to emotionally prepare for your HIV test

You may feel anxiety about getting tested, fearing a positive result or the stigma surrounding HIV. But testing is the only way to know for sure if you have the virus. And finding out your results – whether positive or negative – can ease the anxiety of not knowing your HIV status.⁷

Plus, the sooner you are diagnosed with HIV, the sooner you can start treatment. Early treatment can help you to live a longer, healthier life and protect others from the virus.⁷