What Is a HIV Test?

Most HIV tests screen for antibodies to the virus. Other tests check for viral RNA and can detect HIV earlier in infection. HIV tests can be performed on samples of blood, oral fluid or urine. There is only one approved home test for HIV. Initial tests that yield a positive result are confirmed with another test on the same sample.

Seroconversion

The most widely available HIV tests rely on seroconversion, developing a level of antibodies that can be detected. This process generally takes about month, but may take between three and six months.

ELISA

Enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs) are the most widely used forms of HIV test. Because they rely on seroconversion, a test taken before an individual seroconverts will not yield a true positive.

Quick Test

Quick tests for HIV can yield results in about 20 minutes; these tests are as accurate as standard ELISAs.

RNA Test

Tests that screen directly for HIVs genetic material, RNA, can be used to detect infection earlier (within 9-11 days). However, these tests are not widely used as ELISAs.

Home Test

Only one HIV test has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for home HIV testing: the Home Access HIV-1 Test System. Other home tests have not been approved and should not be used.

References

• HIVTest.org
• Home Access HIV-1 Test System

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