Types of HIV tests
The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested. Everyone between 13 to 64 years should get tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime.
If you have certain risk factors, you should get tested more often. For example, if you’ve had more than one sex partner or your sex partners had more than one partner since your last HIV test, you should get tested again.
If you continue to inject drugs and share needles or drug injection equipment, you should get tested after every three months.
If you’re a sexually active gay or bisexual man, you should think about getting tested every three to six months. Testing can be quick and easy. Some tests take as little as 20 minutes, and some don’t even involve a needle.
So, what HIV tests are available today?
There are plenty of testing options for HIV. They include:
HIV self-testing
HIV self-testing gives you the power to decide when and where to test for HIV. You can test at the comfort of your home or private space. HIV self-testing is confidential, quick, easy, and convenient. In as little as 20 minutes, your results will be ready.
Rapid HIV tests
Rapid HIV tests are mostly found in many public hospitals. The test is done by taking a small amount of blood and placing it on the testing kit. It takes around 20 minutes for you to know your results.
HIV antibody tests
This kind of test looks for HIV antibodies in the blood, oral fluid, and urine. To get your result back, you will have to wait for a few days to a few weeks.
This testing is however outdated. It has been replaced by rapid HIV tests.
Combined antigen/antibody tests
This kind of test looks for both HIV antibodies and antigens which are produced in the first weeks after infection. To get your result back, you will have to wait for a few days to a few weeks.
This testing is however outdated. It has been replaced by rapid HIV tests.
Knowing your HIV status will help you keep yourself healthy and your partner too. Get tested today. Talk to your health care provider about HIV testing. They will advise on which test best suits you
Tell us what you think
Recent Comments (8)
Knowledge is power
Knowledge is power
Great
Great
Thanks for the information
Thanks for the information
Great
Great
I understand you
I understand you
Thanks for clarification,, I…
Thanks for clarification,, I only knew of self test,.
The info is onpoint. But am…
The info is onpoint. But am always afraid of testing.
Hi @pk,
It is totally…
Hi @pk,
It is totally normal to worry about testing, however, it is better to test early. When you know your status, you are in a position to make a good decision about your health. If positive, the earlier you start taking ARVs the higher your chances of achieving an undetectable level and living a healthy life. If negative, you will know to protect yourself from HIV at all costs. So either way, you will gain.