HIV Test

Tell me about HIV testing.
Our doctors have selected the HIV Antibody Test with Reflex to Western Blot Confirmation (also known as the EIA or ELISA test). This FDA-approved blood test looks for the antibodies to HIV and is the “gold standard” for HIV screening. If you get tested before there are enough antibodies to detect, you may get a “false negative” result even if you have new HIV infection. If you are concerned about a recent sexual encounter, the HIV Early Detection Test can detect HIV sooner than the HIV Antibody Test.

Is this a Blood Test or a Urine Test?
The HIV Antibody 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 Antibody Blood Test. You do not need to fast.

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 that are so successful that often people 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 age 13 - 64 be tested for HIV. 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.

What Will the Test Results Tell Me?
HIV Antibody Test results are either positive or negative. Negative means no signs of HIV were found. A positive HIV Antibody Test result means that signs of HIV were found, but a confirmation test should be run before making a diagnosis.

If your test result comes back positive the laboratory automatically runs a western blot test for confirmation. Experts agree that another test should be run on a new blood sample before making a formal diagnosis of HIV and we believe all physicians should follow this recommendation.

Positive test results for HIV show an infection 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, if appropriate.

Learn more about the HIV Test

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

If you are not concerned about a recent exposure and just want to know your HIV status, our doctors recommend the HIV antibody test. According to the CDC, most people with a new HIV infection will be positive on the antibody test by 25 days and 97% will have a positive test by 3 months. We always recommend following up a negative test with a repeat 3 months after an exposure to confirm a negative result wasn’t related to testing too early.

If you’re concerned about a recent exposure with someone whose HIV status you don’t know or are concerned about, consider the HIV early detection test, which can detect HIV sooner than the HIV antibody test.

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.