- Most initial HIV tests are enzyme immunoassays carried out on blood or oral fluid, collected with a needle or an oral swab, respectively. These tests check for the presence of HIV antibodies and return results within a few days; there are also rapid tests, which can return results within 20 minutes.
- Urine EIAs work much like those done on blood and oral fluid. However, according to HIVTest.org, EIAs conducted on urine are less accurate than other tests. All forms of EIA will only produce a true positive if the person has already seroconverted (developed a detectable level of antibodies), which normally happens within a month of infection, but it may take up to 6 months.
- There are tests available that can test directly for the presence of viral genetic material, RNA. Because these tests do not rely on antibodies, they can detect HIV much more quickly, within less than 2 weeks after infection. However, according to HIVplusmag.com, they are more expensive and less commonly used than other tests.
- A positive result from an initial test always triggers a second, confirmatory test, either the western blot or indirect fluorescent antibody. According to HIV InSite, these tests are designed to detect more accurately only antibodies to HIV.
- Because the first symptoms of HIV infection are non-specific and because the longest phase of HIV-disease, latency, is asymptomatic, it is important to know your HIV status through testing. HIVTest.org can help you find a local testing center.
