Location
HIV tests, or AIDS tests, are administered in medical care facilities of all types including family practice offices, emergency facilities and major hospitals. Performing a home sample collection is also possible with the use of special collection kits. According to the Mayo Clinic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend an annual test if you have unprotected sex with more than one partner throughout the year. A test for AIDS is not done routinely and must be requested or scheduled with your medical practitioner unless a home test is going to be administered.
Sample Collection
Epigee.org points out that the most common type of HIV test in adults is done by analyzing a blood sample. Other methods include testing oral fluids, urine or tissue obtained from the inner cheek. These samples are collected in a sterile manner and evaluated in a laboratory. At-home collection kits may request the same samples be sent into a laboratory for evaluation.
Evaluation
The level of HIV antibodies are evaluated in the sample provided for the test. The presence of HIV antibodies in the system indicates an individual is HIV positive, and an absence of the antibodies means the individual is most likely not infected with the virus, according to Epigee.org.
Results
Results are typically determined anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, according to Epigee.org. The Rapid HIV test can provide results within 10 to 30 minutes, but may be confirmed through a traditional test. After exposure, the HIV antibodies may take anywhere from three weeks and three months to be identified on a test. The accuracy of the test is 99.5 percent, according to Epigee.org. Repeating the test several weeks to months later is advisable if you suspect that you have been exposed to the virus, as it may not have had time to show up in your blood. The results may be provided in a second appointment or via phone or text message depending upon your preference, according to Avert.org.
