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How Long Should You Wait to Take an HIV Test?

Having sex with someone with a unknown sexual history with multiple partners will increase the risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. Infection can go undetected if testing is not done. Most tests measure the amount of antibodies that the body creates to combat HIV. Blood, saliva and urine tests are all available.

  1. Effects

    • HIV attacks the human immune system, destroying white blood cells that protect the body against the virus.

    Risks

    • Risk factors for HIV infection include unprotected anal, vaginal or oral sex, injecting drugs or steroids with shared needles and diagnosis of other sexually transmitted diseases.

    Identification

    • After initial infection, 95 percent of people will develop enough antibodies to test positive within three months, according to the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some may take up to six months.

    Considerations

    • If the HIV test is negative, but taken before three months have passed, retesting may be necessary.

    Locations

    • For those without health covered, there are local clinics that will offer testing for free or a small fee. The National HIV Testing Resources Website lists local facilities in the U.S. on its website (see resources).

    Warning

    • The CDC recommends all pregnant women who test positive to start treatment immediately to prevent spreading the infection to the child.

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