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How Often Should I Get Tested For HIV—And Other FAQs About HIV Testing


Rapid tests, which are oral swab and finger prick tests, can get your results within the same visit, according to the CDC. However, these tests are less reliable than a full blood-draw lab test, which usually produces results in a few days. The Food and Drug Administration says its approved at-home test’s reliability has a performance of around 92% sensitivity. This translates to a false negative test in about one of every 12 tests. You should still get tested in a clinic that offers laboratory testing to confirm your results. Self-HIV tests can be purchased at local pharmacies, and those looking to find a location in their area where tests should visit gettested.cdc.gov.

Who will know my results?

HIV tests have come such a long way you can now purchase at-home tests. This allows you to test in total privacy without any attachment to your medical record.

Similarly, some clinics offer anonymized tests, which produce a unique identifier for you to check your results without your name and other information being attached. This option, however, is not available at all clinics so be sure to ask before taking a test. Thanks to HIPPA laws in the US, all HIV tests are confidential. This means your information is shared with your medical records, which can be accessed by your doctor or health insurance but are protected from being shared to others.

If you receive a positive test from a confidential test, it may be sent to your local state health department to monitor HIV rates in your area. They will then send this information to the CDC without your personal information attached. The CDC does not share HIV information with anyone.

What if I think I’ve been exposed to HIV?

These situations happen in life and thankfully, in this current medical climate, there are options for anyone who is afraid they have contracted HIV.

“No matter what the result, you will still live your very best life,” Robinson says.

If you feel compelled to be tested right away, your HIV status may not be accurately reflected, says Agwu, because it takes some time for the virus to show up in tests. But, if you get tested within the first 98 hours of a risky situation, such as a broken condom, you can ask a clinician for access to post-exposure prophylaxis, also known as PEP. Taking these drugs immediately after possible exposure will help significantly lower your chances of contracting HIV. A clinician may also recommend getting a full STI testing panel as well.



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