HIV Early Detection Test

Description
Our doctors have selected the HIV-1 Early Detection Test to find the presence of HIV. This DNA-based test is the fastest and most accurate test for HIV available today. While it has been shown to detect HIV as early as 6 days after exposure, our physicians recommend testing a full 3 weeks after exposure to ensure the highest accuracy. This test looks for the DNA found inside the center of the HIV virus. If positive, the test should always be confirmed with another HIV test run on a separate specimen, in keeping with the recommended guidelines.

Is this a Blood Test or a Urine Test?
The HIV Early Detection Test is a blood test. When you get to the lab, the lab technician will draw one small tube of blood. There’s no need to get undressed or have any uncomfortable swabbing.

Will I Need to Fast or Prepare for the Test?
There is no preparation needed for the HIV Early Detection blood test. You do not need to fast.

What Will the Test Results Tell Me?
Test results for the HIV Early detection test are either positive or negative. A negative test result for the HIV Early Detection test means that you do not show signs of HIV. A positive HIV Early Detection test result means that you show signs of HIV, but a confirmation test should be run before making a diagnosis. Experts agree that another test should be run on a new blood sample before making a formal diagnosis of HIV and our doctors believe all physicians should follow these national guidelines.

Positive test results for HIV indicate that your body is infected with the virus that causes AIDS. It does NOT mean that you have AIDS. If your test is positive, one of our physicians will talk with you about your results and arrange for you to see a local HIV specialist who can guide you regarding additional testing, treatment and next steps.

Is HIV Treatable?
Although there is no cure for HIV, a lot has changed in the world of HIV treatment. These days we have powerful anti-retroviral medications to manage HIV infections and we are so successful that often folks with HIV are dealing with health issues related to aging more than complications from HIV. We talk about living with HIV, not dying from it, and we like to remind those with new HIV infections that they should not stop saving for retirement.

Who should be tested for HIV?
Anyone can get the HIV virus by having sex with an infected person, sharing needles with an infected person, or even from childbirth. HIV is not transmitted by touching or by toilet seats. You cannot get if from sharing towels or shaking hands. HIV is found in people of all sexual orientations and ages. In fact, the highest numbers of newly acquired case of HIV have been found in middle-aged adults ages 35 to 44.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone ages 13 - 64 be tested for HIV, so if you don’t know your status, now is the time to get tested. Consider HIV testing as part of routine STD screening, especially if you have had unprotected sex with someone whose STD status you do not know or are concerned about.

For routine STD testing to know your sexual health status, test today.

The HIV Early Detection Test detects an HIV infection sooner after a possible exposure than the HIV Antibody test. It can detect the virus as early as 6 days after possible exposure, however our physicians recommend waiting 3 weeks after exposure to ensure the most accurate results. We recommend following up a negative test with an HIV antibody test 3 months after an exposure to confirm the negative result wasn't related to testing too early.

Remember, other STDs may be present at the same time as HIV. For this reason, our doctors recommend the 8-test panel to test for 8 of the most common and serious STDs.

For a personalized test plan, call our Care Advisors at (866) 660-2593(866) 660-2593. Because different diseases become detectable by diagnostic testing at different times, this is the best way to ensure you get tested at the right time.