HIV/AIDS Diagnosis How HIV Is Diagnosed By Mark Cichocki, RN twitter linkedin Mark Cichocki, RN, is an HIV/AIDS nurse educator at the University of Michigan Health System for more than 20 years. Learn about our editorial process Mark Cichocki, RN Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Latesha Elopre, MD, MSPH on July 24, 2020 linkedin Latesha Elopre, MD, is a board-certified internist specializing in HIV and an assistant professor of infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Learn about our Medical Review Board Latesha Elopre, MD, MSPH on July 24, 2020 Print The only way to diagnose the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is with an HIV test. There are a variety of such tests, some that use samples of blood, others that use saliva or urine. Testing typically takes place at a point-of-care location (a doctor's office, hospital, clinic, or even drugstore, for example). There also are tests that can be done at home (similar to home pregnancy tests). Some HIV tests look for the presence of the virus itself and others rely on the presence of antibodies to the virus created by the immune system. In most cases, how or where a person is tested for HIV matters less than that they are tested—period. For someone who has been infected with HIV, early diagnosis is vital. It can make the difference between living a long and otherwise healthy life thanks to highly effective antiretroviral medications for HIV and succumbing to the serious illness. Westend61/Getty Images The Importance of Testing The initial symptoms of HIV so resemble those of more innocuous viral infections that, unless they know they've been exposed to the virus (by engaging in risky behavior, for instance), most people aren't likely to suspect HIV infection. Once the early symptoms resolve, the virus goes into a long remission during which it silently destroys cells in the immune system. It's not until this process has gone on long enough (typically eight to 10 years) that signs of compromised immunity begin to occur. This is the late stage of infection known as acquired immunodeficiency disease (AIDS). At this point, treatment isn't likely to be effective, which is why public health organizations such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have specific guidelines for HIV testing based on factors such as age, sex, and lifestyle. CDC HIV Testing Guidelines Everyone ages 13 to 64: Get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care People with risk factors for exposure to HIV: Get tested more frequently—at least annually, in most cases Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM): Get tested at least once a year Sexually active MSM at increased risk of the infection: Get tested even more often, such as once every three or six months In addition, because the human immunodeficiency virus can be passed along to an unborn child, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that doctors "screen for HIV infection in all pregnant persons, including those who present in labor or at delivery whose HIV status is unknown." Types of HIV Tests Most of the available HIV tests are relatively accurate, although point-of-care tests tend to be more reliable than home tests, since these usually use a sample of blood and are conducted by trained clinicians, decreasing the likelihood of error. There also are direct and indirect methods of detecting HIV: Direct testing detects either antigens (proteins on the surface of the virus) or RNA (the virus’s genetic material) Indirect testing screens for antibodies—proteins produced by the immune system in response to the virus HIV Test Options Option Method What It Tests For Wait for Results Good to Know Rapid point-of-care tests Finger prick, oral swab of the gums, or urine sample HIV antigen and antibodies About 20 minutes The most accurate of these uses a blood sample—the combination HIV Ag/Ab test Standard point-of-care tests Blood sample HIV antibodies Five to 10 days Also known as the HIV ELISA; now less common than the combination HIV Ag/Ab test Rapid at-home tests Saliva HIV antibodies About 20 minutes More private, but less accurate than point-of-care tests Home collection kits Drop of blood transferred to a test card and sent to a lab HIV antibodies About on business day after receipt by lab Can be difficult to obtain a blood sample on your own Nucleic acid tests (NATs) Blood sample HIV RNA (genetic material) A couple of days Pricey; can detect HIV earlier than other types of tests; sometimes used to screen donated blood or newborns With the exception of the NAT, a positive result from an HIV test is regarded as a preliminary positive, which means a second test will be needed to confirm the diagnosis. A Word From Verywell Being tested for HIV is nothing less than stressful, but it is absolutely necessary. If your results are negative, you can move forward with a better understanding of how to stay that way. If you are positive, you can begin HIV therapy that will allow you to live a long, healthy, and productive life. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get information on prevention, symptoms, and treatment to better ensure a long and healthy life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Lee KA, Gay C, Portillo CJ, et al. Symptom experience in HIV-infected adults: a function of demographic and clinical characteristics. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2009;38(6):882-93. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2009.05.013 Pitman MC, Lewin SR. Towards a cure for human immunodeficiency virus. Intern Med J. 2018;48(1):12-15. doi:10.1111/imj.13673 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Testing. Last reviewed on December 3, 2019 The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection: Screening. Published in June 2019 Arora DR, Maheshwari M, Arora B. Rapid point-of-care testing for detection of HIV and clinical monitoring. ISRN AIDS. 2013;2013:287269. doi:10.1155/2013/287269