HIV Testing Process

According the most recent information lfrom the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 1,106,400 individuals in the United States Living with HIV. Tests for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, look for the antibodies that are produced by the body once the virus has been introduced into the system. These antibodies are produced in an attempt to fight the infection. According to the AIDS website, the majority of infected individuals may have a positive test within two to 12 weeks of being infected, however in some cases it does take up to six months to be detectable.

Blood, Oral, and Urine Samples

HIV may be detected in blood, oral fluid and urine. There are several methods of testing these fluids for the virus. Blood tests are completed by taking blood sample from the vein of an individual and testing the antibody. The blood is then analyzed in a lab and can take up to two weeks to receive results. In oral tests, the individual's mouth is swabbed. The samples are taken from the gums and cheek area, not from saliva which is often believed. The swab is then put in a sterile vial and tested for the antibody. Results can be obtained within 20 minutes from the oral HIV test. Positive oral tests, are then confirmed with a Western Blot Test from a blood sample. Urine tests are obtained by testing a urine sample for the antibody in a certified lab. According to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, urine tests are less sensitive than blood tests, and also must be confirmed by the Western Blot Test in the event of a positive result.

Rapid Home Tests

There is currently one U.S. Food and Drug Administratioin approved home test available on the market. Home Access provides the tester with a kit containing all the necessary elements for testing. The test analyzes a blood sample obtained from a finger stick for the antibody. Results can obtained within seven to 10 business days or for and extra fee, the results and be expedited. The cost of the test ranges from $45 to $70. There is currently no form of approved rapid result home test available.

RNA/PCR/NAAT Tests

RNA /PCR/NAAT tests look for the actual HIV virus in the sample. These tests are used in newborns of infected mothers, and confirmed cases of HIV to determine the viral load or the actual level of infection in the system. There is no rapid result option for the RNA test, results are received within one to three weeks, however the test can produce a positive result within one to two weeks of the infection.