How Long Does An HIV Test Take?

Grab your pencil and paper – it’s time for a test! But don’t worry; you won’t need to hit the books for this one. It’s all about your sexual health, and we’re here to help you get tested at Harmony Healthcare!

When you were in school, tests could be super stressful. But being an adult doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Taking care of your sexual health is an easy test to pass with Harmony Healthcare!

If you’re sexually active, the CDC says you should get tested for STIs regularly. This is not just good for you, but also for your partner(s). Our friendly clinics create a comfortable and safe environment for all your STI testing needs, including HIV.

How Do You Know If You Should Be Tested For HIV?

The CDC suggests sexually active individuals between 13 and 64 get tested at least once. However, those with specific risk factors should get tested more often. You should undergo HIV testing annually if have multiple sexual partners or share drug equipment. 

Also, before starting a new sexual relationship, it’s important to talk openly about your sexual history, HIV status, and consider getting tested together.

Where Can You Get An HIV Test?

Our HIV clinic in Tampa (as well as our clinics in Orlando and Kissimmee) offers HIV testing at no cost, with or without an appointment. We don’t want anything to hold you back from taking charge of your health. 

How Long Do Test Results Take?

Different tests take different amounts of time for results. Let’s break it down: Your immune system creates antibodies and antigens in response to viruses like HIV. There are three main types of tests: antibody tests, antigen/antibody tests, and nucleic acid tests (NAT). The antigen p24 shows up before antibodies develop.

Antibody tests, (like our rapid finger stick tests) look for antibodies in your blood or saliva. Our rapid tests give results in about 20 minutes. If we send a test to the lab, it might take a few days to get results.

Nucleic acid tests check for the actual HIV virus in your blood. This test is done by drawing blood from a vein and it can also measure the virus levels in your bloodstream. NATs can detect HIV earlier, so they’re often recommended if you’ve recently been exposed or have early symptoms. Expect to wait several days for these results.

Because NATs can detect HIV earlier than alternative tests, they may be recommended for individuals who were recently exposed to HIV or have early HIV symptoms and have gotten negative antibody or antigen/antibody test results. The results of a NAT test can take several days.

What If You Get Reactive Test Results?

If you test reactive, don’t panic! We can manage HIV with medications called Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). When you take this regularly, it can reduce HIV levels in your body so low that you won’t transmit the virus if you’re adhering to your treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider about options for you and your partner(s) to stay healthy.

Getting a reactive test result can be stressful, but trust us – it’s nothing to worry about! Treatment options are highly effective at lowering the viral load to an undetectable level. 

Visit Our Tampa HIV Clinic Today!

Feeling nervous about getting tested? You’re not alone! Here’s a quick testimonial from one of our visitors, L.C.:

“I was in and out for testing in less than five minutes! They’re very efficient and friendly and answered all my questions and concerns. One of the only clinics that runs FULL panels of tests, too! I would know – I looked around enough, LOL!“

Taking control of your sexual health starts with knowing your status. Get tested—it’s the first step to making informed choices for yourself and those around you. If you have questions, contact us, or just drop by for a test and grab some free condoms on your way out!