How Long Should You Wait to Get Tested for HIV?

Accurate HIV testing relies on an individual having developed a detectable level of HIV antibodies, a process called seroconversion. The time this takes varies; if you are concerned you may wish to talk to your health care provider about RNA testing, which detects HIV sooner than antibody tests.

Seroconversion

• HIV tests check for antibodies, your immune system's response to HIV infection. Developing a detectable level of antibodies normally happens within the first month after infection.

More on Seroconversion

• It sometimes takes three to six months to develop a detectable level of antibodies to HIV. There is no way for an individual to know how long she will take to seroconvert.

Considerations

• An HIV test will only return a true positive if the individual has already seroconverted. If you are tested a month after infection and the results are negative, you should be tested again in the three-to-six-month window to confirm that you have not contracted HIV.

RNA Testing

• RNA tests for HIV look for the virus' genetic material instead of antibodies. Because these tests directly detect the virus, they can return accurate results within less than two weeks of infection.

Considerations

• HIVplusmag.com reports that RNA tests for HIV are not widely used because they are more expensive and complicated than other tests. If you wish to know your status shortly after possible exposure, ask your doctor if an RNA test is available; HIVTest.org can also refer you to testing sites in your area.