If you are interested in being tested for HIV, there are a number of options available. HIV tests can be performed within a medical facility or in the comfort of your own home. Depending on the type of HIV test you choose, your results may be available in as little as 20 minutes.
Standard HIV Tests
A standard HIV test is an antibody test used to determine whether your blood contains HIV antibodies. During a standard HIV test, a medical professional will take a sample of your blood, which will be sent to a lab to be evaluated using one of the following antibody tests: an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These tests have a high level of sensitivity, which means that even very small HIV antibody levels can be detected--if present--in your blood. Rarely, these tests may identify non-HIV antibodies in your blood, leading to a false-positive result. Your standard HIV test result may not be available for several days or weeks following your blood withdrawal. If your standard HIV test comes back with a positive result, your blood sample will undergo further testing to confirm this result. Secondary confirmatory tests may include western blot assay, indirect immunofluorescence assay, line immunoassay or a second EIA or ELISA.
Rapid HIV Test
A rapid HIV test is similar to a standard HIV test, but can provide blood test results in approximately 20 minutes rather than several days or weeks. During a rapid HIV test, a medical professional will take a small sample of your blood, which will be immediately analyzed using an ELISA. If your rapid HIV test comes back with a positive result, a secondary confirmatory test will be done. The results of the confirmatory test may not be available for several days or weeks.
Home HIV Test Kit
A home HIV test kit allows you to perform a rapid HIV test in the privacy of your own home. You will take a small sample of your blood and place it on a specially treated card, which can provide you with a result within several minutes. Currently, home test kits are not legally sold in the United States. If you purchase a home test kit over the Internet, be aware that the test kit may not be genuine or accurate. If your home test kit yields a positive result, you will need to see a medical professional for additional, confirmatory testing.
Home HIV Sampling Kit
A home HIV sampling kit allows you to take a small sample of your blood in the privacy of your own home. Once you have collected your blood sample on a specially treated card, you mail the card to a laboratory for HIV testing. You will be given an identification number to provide when you call the laboratory for your results, which will be available within a few days. Home sampling kits are available at most local drugstores. A professional counselor is available for you to speak with throughout the home sampling process. If the result of your home sampling kit is positive, you will need to see a medical professional for additional, confirmatory testing.
