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How to Test for HIV & AIDS: FAQ Guide

Published March 25, 2025

This guide covers key information about how to get tested for HIV/AIDS, including symptoms, risk factors, available tests, and how results are interpreted.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help fight infections. If left untreated, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition where the immune system becomes severely weakened. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, and 13% of them are unaware of their infection.¹,². Early testing and diagnosis are critical for managing HIV, preventing transmission, and accessing life-saving treatments. 

Who Is at Risk for HIV?

  • Individuals engaging in unprotected sex (including vaginal, anal, and oral sex)
  • People with multiple sexual partners
  • Injection drug users who share needles
  • Individuals with a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Those receiving blood transfusions before 1985 (when HIV screening began for blood donations)
  • Infants born to HIV-positive mothers⁴
  • Healthcare workers exposed to HIV infected blood/needles.

What Are the Symptoms and Risks of HIV?

HIV symptoms vary depending on the stage of infection. In the early stages, many people experience flu-like symptoms, while others may not have any noticeable signs.

Stage 1: Acute HIV Infection Symptoms (Early Symptoms of HIV)

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Chills
  • Weight Loss
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Night sweats
  • Muscle aches and joint pain
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue
  • Swollen lymph nodes³

Stage 2: Chronic HIV Infection

  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Oral yeast infection (thrush)
  • Pneumonia
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Shingles (herpes zoster)

Stage 3: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

  • Sweats
  • Persistent fever
  • Fatigue
  • Chills
  • Recurring fever
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Weakness
  • Skin bumps or rashes
  • Swollen lymph glands
  • Mouth sores

What Types of HIV Tests Are Available?

There are different types of HIV tests to detect the virus at various stages of infection.

HIV Screening Tests

  • HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies Test (4th Generation Test) Detects both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen
  • Can identify HIV as early as 18–45 days after exposure
  • HIV Antibody Test (Rapid HIV Test) 
  • Detects HIV antibodies in oral fluid
  • Can take 23–90 days after exposure to be accurate

Confirmatory & Other HIV Tests

  • HIV-1/HIV-2 Differentiation Test
  • Used to distinguish between HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections
  • HIV RNA Test (Nucleic Acid Test - NATs)
  • Detects HIV’s genetic material
  • Can identify infection as early as 10–33 days after exposure
  • Often used for early detection or to confirm an HIV-positive result

How Should You Prepare for an HIV Test?

  • No fasting required for most HIV tests
  • Wait the appropriate window period before testing (varies by test type)
  • For blood tests, stay hydrated for a smoother sample collection process

How to Interpret HIV Test Results

Your test results may not always be straightforward. You should work with your healthcare provider to interpret your individual results in combination with your health history. Some results you may see from HIV testing: 

  • Out of Range (Positive) Results: HIV has been detected. A confirmatory test is required
  • Non-Reactive (Negative) Results: No HIV detected. Retesting may be necessary if recent exposure occurred 
  • Indeterminate/Inconclusive: A follow-up test may be needed for accurate results

There are many types of tests to assess HIV with different types of results you may see outside of the bulleted list above. It is important to discuss your results, concerns, and treatment options with a healthcare provider. Treatment options, including antiretroviral therapy (ART), help manage the virus and prevent transmission. 

Why Choose Quest for HIV Testing?

Quest offers fast and confidential HIV testing with several key benefits:

  • No doctor’s visit required—order online and visit a Quest location for discreet testing.
  • Accurate and reliable testing using the latest screening technologies.
  • Independent physician consultations available at no extra cost for positive results.

No doctor visit is required to buy your own lab test at questhealth.com. PWNHealth and its affiliates review your purchase to ensure it is medically appropriate before submitting the test order for processing. PWNHealth also reviews your test results and will contact you directly if they require prompt attention. Included in each purchase is the option to discuss your test results with an independent physician; however, you are also encouraged to speak with your primary healthcare provider.

Tests featured in this article:

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV Surveillance Report. Accessed Jan. 30, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/library/reports/hiv-surveillance.html
  2. National Institutes of Health. HIV/AIDS Overview. Accessed Jan. 30, 2025. https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/hiv-aids-basics
  3. Mayo Clinic. HIV/AIDS Symptoms and Causes. Accessed Jan. 30, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiv-aids/symptoms-causes/syc-20373524
  4. World Health Organization. HIV/AIDS Facts. Accessed Jan. 30, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids