You can get tested as part of routine care or after a possible exposure, including:

• As part of routine care, such as once a year or more often depending on your level of risk
• Before new sexual partners
• If you experience any form of sexual violence or sexual assault
• After a condom breaks or is not used as planned
• If a partner tests positive for HIV or their HIV status is unknown
• Before starting PrEP or if you are taking PrEP regularly (routine testing is required)
• If you have HIV-related symptoms or are being tested for other STIs
• During pregnancy, as part of routine care
• Anytime you want to check in on your health

You can get tested for HIV in a variety of settings. Some options offer walk-in visits, while others may require an appointment.

Choose the option that feels easiest and most accessible for you:

• Sexual health clinics: Offer HIV testing, STI testing, and prevention services like PrEP and PEP
• Community health centers: Provide low-cost or free testing and can connect you to ongoing care
• Planned Parenthood: Offers HIV testing, sexual health services, and prevention options
• Urgent care clinics: Can provide HIV testing, especially if you want care quickly or after a possible exposure
• Mobile or pop-up testing sites: Available in many communities, including at public events and community spaces
• Pharmacies or retail clinics: Some locations offer HIV testing or can connect you to services
• At-home testing kits: Available online or in stores, allowing you to test privately at home

Many sites offer free or low-cost testing, and you can often get tested without insurance. Testing is confidential, and you can ask about privacy and what to expect before getting tested.

Before the test

You may be asked a few questions about your health and possible exposures. You can ask questions and request care that feels respectful and affirming.

During the test

Testing is quick and straightforward. It may involve a finger prick, oral swab, or blood draw, and usually takes just a few minutes.

After the test

Results may be ready within minutes (rapid tests) or within a few days (lab tests). A provider will explain your results and next steps.

There are a few ways to get tested for HIV:

• Rapid tests: Results are ready in minutes. These are usually done with a finger prick or oral swab.
• Lab tests: A blood sample is taken and sent to a lab. Results are usually ready in a few days and can detect HIV earlier than some rapid tests.
• At-home tests: You can test yourself at home using an oral swab or blood sample. Some give results right away, while others are mailed to a lab.

Different tests detect HIV at different times after exposure, so timing matters.

The window period is the time between a possible exposure to HIV and when a test can detect it. If you test too soon, HIV may not show up yet even if it is present.

Different tests detect HIV at different times after exposure:

• 1–3 weeks: Some early detection tests (including RNA tests, if available) may detect HIV
• 3–6 weeks: Most blood tests can detect HIV
• 3 months: Nearly all tests are accurate

If you think you were recently exposed, you can talk with a provider about the best time to test. Testing more than once may be recommended to confirm your result, and is a common practice.

The right test depends on your timing, your situation, and what feels accessible to you.

• If exposure was within the last 72 hours: Testing alone is not enough. PEP may help prevent HIV and should be started as soon as possible.
• If exposure was recent (within the past few weeks): Some tests may not detect HIV yet. Ask about early detection tests and plan to test again if needed.
• For routine testing: Rapid tests and lab tests are both good options. Rapid tests give results quickly, while lab tests can detect HIV earlier.
• If privacy or convenience is important: At-home tests are available and can be done on your own time.

A provider can help you choose the option that fits your timing, your access to care, and what works best for you.

• The test did not detect HIV at the time you were tested
• If your exposure was recent, HIV may not show up yet, so further testing may be needed
• You can continue taking steps to stay HIV-negative, including using prevention options like PrEP
• If you have a possible exposure to HIV, PEP can help prevent infection when started within 72 hours

• A second test will be done to confirm the result
• Once confirmed, you will be connected to care and support
• Remember: HIV is treatable, and people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives
• Starting treatment early supports your health and prevents passing the virus through sex because Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)