How do I get tested for HIV?

How do I get tested for HIV?

A simple blood test that checks for HIV-antibody is all that is required to determine whether you are infected. This test detects the presence of antibodies produced by the body in an attempt to fight HIV.

If you believe HIV exposure has occurred, talk to your health care provider about HIV testing. While the average length of time from exposure to the presence of detectable HIV antibodies is 20 days it can take as long as 6-12 months in some cases before antibodies are present. You’re health care provider may recommend testing at one month, three months, six months, and one year after exposure.

In addition to your own physician, your local health department, STD clinic, or family planning clinic can help you get tested. To learn more about HIV testing and find a testing clinic in your area visit the CDC’s National HIV Testing Resources site at http://www.hivtest.org or call the CDC National AIDS Hotline 24-hours a day, 365 days a year at:

• 1-800-342-AIDS (1-800-342-2437)
• 1-800-AIDS-TTY (1-800-243-7889) TTY
• 1-800-344-SIDA (1-800-344-7432) Spanish

Sources: The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO)