HIV Testing
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What is an HIV test?
An HIV test is a way for you to find out if you are infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, usually called HIV. If you have HIV, your body develops antibodies to fight the disease. An HIV test checks to see if you have these antibodies.
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV attacks cells of the body's immune system, called "T" cells, as well as other cells in the body. If the immune system becomes weak enough, it cannot fight off common infections that would normally not be a problem. These are called opportunistic infections. A person whose "T" cell count reaches a certain low level, or who has one or more opportunistic infections, has AIDS.
Having HIV does not mean you have AIDS. If you get proper nutrition and health care and make wise behavior choices, you can improve your chances of staying healthy and living longer with HIV.
Why should I get tested?
If you have engaged in behaviors that put you at risk for HIV, knowing your HIV status can help you make better choices about your health, your lifestyle, and your future.
If your test result is positive:
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A positive HIV test result means that you are infected with the HIV virus.
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If you learn that you are HIV positive, you can get medical care, counseling and support, and other HIV-related services that will help you stay healthy and live longer.
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You can take steps to prevent spreading the virus to others and re-infecting yourself.
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You can tell your partner(s) that they may have been exposed to HIV and need to get tested too.
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Pregnant women who are HIV positive can get treatment to help protect their babies from getting the virus.
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A positive HIV test does not mean you have AIDS. It is possible to stay healthy for a long time with HIV.
If your test result is negative:
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A negative HIV test result means that you do not have antibodies to HIV.
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If the test was done 6 weeks or more after you were at risk, and you have not been exposed to HIV since then, a negative result almost always means that you are not infected with HIV. You can repeat the test after 3 months or after 6 months to be sure.
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If you are HIV negative, you can stop worrying about having HIV. You can also learn about HIV prevention and take steps to protect yourself against getting HIV in the future.
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If you are at risk for HIV on a regular basis, you may want to get tested every six months or each year.
Getting tested for HIV is voluntary. It is your choice whether or not to get tested. No one can test you for HIV without your written permission.
When should I get tested?
If you get infected with HIV, you will usually start making antibodies within 3 weeks to 2 months. However, it may take longer. This is called the "window period."
During the window period, an HIV test may come back negative, even if you are infected. During this period, you are also able to infect others with HIV if you have the virus.
An HIV test usually gives an accurate result within 6 weeks after exposure to HIV. After 3 months, the chance of a false negative test result is extremely small. If you have an HIV test between 6 weeks and 3 months after you believe you were exposed to HIV and your test is negative, you can have another test at 6 months to make sure.
What types of HIV tests are there?
Most HIV tests are antibody tests. If you are infected with HIV, your body's immune system makes antibodies to fight the disease. HIV antibody tests check to see if you have developed antibodies to HIV, rather than checking for the virus itself.
HIV tests check for antibodies in the blood or oral fluids, depending on the type of test used.
Common types of HIV tests are:
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Standard blood test: A health care worker draws a blood sample from your arm and sends it to a lab for testing. You get your results in 1 to 2 weeks.
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OraSure oral swab test: A health care worker swabs the inside of your mouth and sends the sample to a lab for testing. You get your results in 1 to 2 weeks.
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OraQuick Rapid finger prick test: A health care worker pricks your finger and puts a few drops of blood into a special solution at the test site. You get your results in about 20 minutes. If the result is negative, you do not have HIV antibodies. If the result is "reactive" (preliminary positive), you must have a standard HIV test to confirm the result.
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Home Access HIV-1 test: This is the only FDA-approved home test kit. You prick your finger at home with a special device, place a few drops of blood on a collection card, and mail the card to a lab. You get your results by calling a toll-free number and giving the code number that came with your kit. If the result is negative, you do not have HIV antibodies. If the result is "reactive" (preliminary positive), you will get a referral for a confirmation test.
HIV lab tests use a screening tool known as ELISA or EIA to check for HIV antibodies:
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Negative ELISA: The ELISA is highly sensitive to HIV antibodies and rarely gives false negatives. If you are not in the "window period" and you have not been at risk for HIV since the last potential exposure, a negative ELISA result means you do not have HIV.
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Positive ELISA: A positive ELISA result is always confirmed with another test, either a Western Blot or an IFA test. If the follow-up test also comes back positive, you have HIV antibodies and are infected with HIV.
Note: HIV antibody tests are not accurate for newborn babies born to HIV positive mothers. Newborns may have antibodies that were passed from their HIV positive mothers, even if they are not infected with HIV themselves.
Where can I get tested for HIV?
You can get tested for HIV at community health centers, HIV/AIDS agencies, private health care offices, hospitals, family planning clinics, and other locations throughout Massachusetts. You can also buy a home test kit.
To find an HIV test site near you:
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Call the AIDS Action Hotline at 1-800-235-2331 (TTY: 617-437-1672)
Hotline staff will discuss your testing options with you and find a test site that meets your needs. Hotline hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 9 PM; and Friday, 9 AM to 7:30 PM.
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Use the National HIV and STD Testing Center's online search tool: Find a Testing Site Near You
Enter your zip code to find testing sites near you. For each site, you can see if oral or rapid testing is available at the site, if the testing is confidential or anonymous, and if testing is free.
You can also call any of the HIV test sites on these lists:
For a home HIV test kit:
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The only FDA-approved home test kit is the Home Access HIV-1 Test System. You can buy the Home Access HIV test kit at most major drug stores and online. You can also buy the kit directly from the manufacturer. For more information, see the manufacturer's web site:
Home Access HIV-1 Test System
Home Access Express HIV-1 Test System
What questions should I ask?
When choosing a test site, you may want to ask about:
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Counseling and other services:
HIV test sites usually offer pre-test and post-test counseling. Some sites offer integrated services including STD testing and hepatitis vaccinations as well as HIV testing.
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Confidential or anonymous testing:
HIV tests are confidential at all test sites. No one will give out your test results or other health information without your written consent. Some sites also offer anonymous testing. With anonymous testing, you do not have to give your name. You are identified only by a code number.
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Rapid or standard test:
Some test sites offer rapid testing. With rapid testing, you get your results in about 20 minutes. With standard testing, you get your results in 1 to 2 weeks.
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Blood test or oral test:
Some HIV tests use a blood sample. Others use an oral swab.
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Free or fee:
Many test sites offer free HIV testing for people who are at risk. Others charge a fee. Fees are often on a sliding scale based on income. Many health insurance plans pay for HIV testing.
How much does it cost?
Many Massachusetts testing sites offer free HIV tests for people who are at risk. At sites that charge a fee, insurance often covers the cost, or the fee may be based on a sliding scale according to income.
The FDA-approved home test kit, Home Access HIV-1 Test System, costs from $40 to $60 depending on where you buy it and whether you buy the standard kit or the express kit.
Useful links
These links are external links to web sites that are not part of MassResources.org. When you click on these links, you will leave our site. Click "Back" on your browser to return.
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HIV Testing - The Body
Detailed information about types of HIV tests, accuracy, interpretation of results, confidentiality, and testing issues for specific groups. The Body is a California-based web site, but most of the information is not state specific.
HIV Testing section last updated on 9/21/09
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