How Long Do HIV Results Take? Get Answers Here!

If you or someone you know has taken a test for HIV, you might be wondering how long it takes to get the results. The answer is not always straightforward since different HIV tests have varying wait times. Here, we will explore different kinds of HIV tests, how long it takes to get results for each, and what factors could affect the time required.

The Types of HIV Tests

There are different types of tests available to detect HIV. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most commonly used HIV tests include:

  • Antibody Screening Test: This is the most common HIV test that looks for HIV antibodies in a person’s blood, urine, or saliva. Once exposed to HIV, the human body produces antibodies to fight the virus that can be detected by this test. Most testing centers use this test for preliminary testing.
  • Antibody/Antigen Test: This test combines antigen and antibody tests to detect HIV infection earlier than the antibody screening test. Antigen test looks out for the virus itself and can detect HIV soon after infection.
  • Nucleic Acid Test: This test checks for the virus’s genetic material in a person’s blood instead of looking for the antibodies or antigens. Due to its high sensitivity, it is recommended for people in the early stages of HIV infection.

Antibody Screening Test

The antibody screening test requires a small amount of blood taken from a vein in your arm or through a fingerstick kit. Typically, you can expect to receive the results of this test in one to two weeks. Test sensitivity and accuracy could delay the timeline slightly. If the test is negative, the provider may want to conduct another test after a few weeks to make sure the results are accurate.

Antibody/Antigen Test

Antibody/antigen test results come quicker than antibody-only tests. In most cases, the testing provider will share results within 20 to 30 minutes of the test. However, a reactive test will need a confirmation testing process before giving final results, adding one to two weeks to the timeline.

Nucleic Acid Test

The nucleic acid test, also known as the HIV viral load test, is a bit different from the other tests. While it can diagnose HIV earlier than antibody or antigen tests, the testing timeline for this test is a little longer. Patients have to wait up to two weeks for the final results.

What affects how long you have to wait for HIV test results?

Several factors could influence how long you have to wait for your HIV test results, some of which include:

  • The type of test conducted: As explained above, different HIV tests have different timelines for giving results.
  • The location of the testing facility: The testing facility’s timeline could be affected by the availability of testing resources, lab processing speed, and staffing.
  • The time it takes to transport samples to the lab: Depending on how remote the testing facility is, it might take longer to analyze the samples.

What to do while waiting for the results?

Waiting for HIV test results could be nerve-racking. Here are a few things you could do while waiting:

  • Get support: Reach out to family and friends, or seek help from support groups, to help you manage your anxiety while waiting.
  • Stay calm: Engage in activities that help you relax, such as meditation, yoga, and light exercises.
  • Avoid risky behaviors: While waiting for your HIV test results, avoid engaging in risky behaviors such as unprotected sex or needle sharing.
  • Remind yourself that HIV is treatable: If the test is positive, remember that HIV is no longer a death sentence. Treatment is widely available, and many people living with HIV lead healthy and productive lives.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, waiting for HIV test results could be stressful, but it’s also an essential step in identifying the virus’s presence. Different tests have different timelines, and it’s important to be aware of what to expect from each test. While waiting, practice self-care habits such as seeking support, staying calm, and avoiding risky behaviors.

Most commonly asked questions about HIV test results

1. What happens if your HIV test result is positive?

A positive HIV result means the test has detected HIV antibodies or antigens in your blood or saliva. You will need to take additional confirmatory tests to confirm the results’ accuracy. If the additional tests confirm you have HIV, you should begin treatment as soon as possible.

2. Can HIV test results be incorrect?

Yes, HIV test results could be incorrect due to several factors, such as incorrect sample collection, receiving the test too early after infection, or issues with the testing facility’s testing materials. Repeat testing is recommended if you receive an indeterminate or unexpected result.

3. How soon after exposure can I get accurate HIV test results?

Most people produce enough HIV antibodies within 2-8 weeks after infection to show up in an antibody-only test. Antigen tests might detect HIV sooner than antibody tests, but screening test guidelines recommend retesting after incubation periods.

4. How do I know which test is best for me?

Your healthcare provider can help you determine which test is best for you depending on your exposure risk, medical history, and testing preferences.

6. Can I receive my results over the phone or online?

Most HIV testing centers will provide your test results in person or over the phone for privacy reasons. However, you can also check whether your testing center has a secure online portal to receive your results.

7. What happens during the confirmatory test?

If your screening test comes back positive, it is necessary to opt for a confirmatory test to verify the first test’s results. The confirmatory test is more specific but requires more time to produce results than the initial test. It could take up to a few weeks to get the final results.

References

  • CDC. (2019). HIV Testing Basics. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html
  • Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). HIV Testing FAQs. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/human-immunodeficiency-virus-hiv/hiv-testing-faqs

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