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How Long Does It Take to Get an HIV Test?

The amount of time required to get into a clinic or to see a doctor in order to get an HIV test can vary widely by state. The test itself takes only a few minutes, but the waiting time to get test results will vary depending on which test specific HIV test you undergo.

  1. Appointments and Walk-Ins

    • Some states offer walk-in testing centers for STDs, including HIV. Many do not, meaning you will need to make an appointment at a clinic or testing center. If appointments are required, there may be a waiting list or it may be that tests are given on only certain days.

    Testing Time

    • Most testing centers will ask some questions and draw some blood as a part of their testing process. This takes approximately 25 minutes, although results generally will require several weeks.

    OraQuick Testing

    • Some states offer oral swab tests known as OraQuick tests, which can be completed in just moments and return results in as few as 25 minutes. These tests are used as a screening method, with a positive result requiring a follow-up test in order to confirm it.

    OraSure Testing

    • Another oral swab test that is offered in some locations is the OraSure test. These tests do not offer the same fast results as OraQuick tests (OraSure results generally take around two or three weeks to return, about the same amount as a blood test), but are considered to be just as accurate as blood testing.

    ELISA and Western Blot

    • The ELISA test is used mostly for screening blood or oral samples, as viral antibodies in addition to HIV can lead to a positive result. The lab will follow a positive ELISA result with a Western Blot test, which tests samples for antibodies specific to HIV, to confirm. Test results can take two to three weeks for processing.

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