Testing HIV and STIs

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What to Do if You Think You’ve Been Exposed to HIV

If you believe you may have been exposed to HIV (through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or exposure to infected blood), act immediately:

  1. Seek PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis):
    • PEP is a course of antiretroviral medicines that may prevent HIV infection.
    • It must be started within 72 hours of possible exposure.
    • The sooner you start, the more effective it is.
    • Contact your nearest hospital emergency room, sexual health clinic, or doctor immediately.
  2. Do Not Wait:
    • Don’t wait for symptoms—early action can make all the difference.
    • Continue to avoid any behavior that may expose others to risk until you are certain of your status.

When Should I Test for HIV?

  1. Immediately After Exposure:
    • Although HIV may not show up on a test right away, getting an initial test can establish a baseline.
  2. Follow-Up Testing Schedule:
    • First test: Right away (within 72 hours) if you’ve started PEP.
    • Second test: 4 to 6 weeks after exposure.
    • Final test: At 3 months (12 weeks) after exposure.
    • Some guidelines recommend a follow-up at 6 months for certain cases (e.g., PEP use or high-risk exposure).
Testing

HIV Testing

Where Can I Get Tested for HIV?

  • Local Clinics and Hospitals: Most public and private health facilities offer HIV testing.
  • Community Health Centers: Free or low-cost testing may be available.
  • NGO and Mobile Testing Units: In many areas, outreach services provide convenient access.
  • Pharmacies: In some countries, self-test kits are available over the counter.
  • Online Services: In some regions, you can order self-test kits online.

Tip: Search “HIV testing near me” or contact your national health department for nearby options.


HIV Testing and the Window Period

  • The window period is the time between HIV exposure and when it can be detected by a test.
  • Window Period Lengths:
    • Antibody tests: May detect HIV in 3 to 12 weeks.
    • Antigen/antibody tests (lab-based blood tests): Detect most HIV infections in 2 to 6 weeks.
    • Nucleic Acid Tests (NATs): Can detect HIV in 10 to 33 days.

During this period, a person can have HIV and still test negative. Use protection and avoid high-risk behavior until testing is conclusive.

Testing for HIV Yourself (Self-Testing)

  • HIV Self-Tests are oral or finger-prick tests you can do at home.
  • Available Options:
    • Oral fluid tests: Easy to use, results in 20–40 minutes.
    • Blood-based self-tests: Slightly more accurate, may detect HIV sooner.
  • Where to Get Them:
    • Pharmacies.
    • Health department distribution programs.
    • Online medical supply sites.
  • Important Notes:
    • Always read the instructions carefully.
    • If a self-test result is positive, get a confirmatory test at a clinic.
    • Even if the result is negative, test again after the window period to be sure.