HIV Screening Test Test
An HIV test checks your blood, saliva, or urine to see if you are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Early detection helps you start treatment and avoid spreading the virus.
What this test measures
An HIV test checks a sample of your blood, saliva (spit), or urine (pee) to see whether you are infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV is a virus that destroys certain cells in your immune system.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
A positive test result means that signs of an HIV infection were found in your sample. You will need a follow-up test to confirm an HIV diagnosis unless you had a NAT test.
Frequently asked questions
What does a negative HIV test result mean?
A negative test result means that no signs of an HIV infection were found in your sample. But it doesn't always mean you don't have HIV; you could be infected but it's too soon for the test to tell.
What does a positive HIV test result mean?
A positive test result means that signs of an HIV infection were found in your sample. You will need a follow-up test to confirm an HIV diagnosis unless you had a NAT test.
How soon after exposure can an HIV test detect the virus?
It depends on the test. Antibody tests may find HIV as early as 23 days but can take up to 90 days. Antibody/antigen tests can find HIV as soon as 18 to 45 days. NAT tests can find HIV sooner.
What should I do if I think I was exposed to HIV?
Talk with your health care provider right away about emergency treatment called PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). PEP may prevent an HIV infection if started within three days after a possible exposure.
If I have HIV, what treatment is available?
It's important to start medicines called antiretroviral therapy (ART) right away. ART can't cure HIV, but it may lower the amount of virus in your blood enough so that a test can't find it.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: HIV Screening Test — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.