How Long Does An HIV Test Take?

Grab your pencil and paper – it’s time for a test! But relax; there’s no need to hit the books for this one. Stay informed about why getting tested is essential, and find out which Tampa HIV clinic offers the best testing experience.

When you’re in school, tests can be stressful and require many late-night cram sessions. Now that you’re an adult, you may think all your tests are behind you. Not quite, but don’t stress – taking care of your sexual health is a simple test to pass with the team at Harmony Healthcare!

If you are sexually active, the CDC recommends that you get tested for STIs regularly. Not only is this an excellent practice to care for your health, but it is also vital for the health of your partner(s). Our welcoming clinics offer a comfortable, safe space 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 Tampa HIV clinic (along with our clinics in Orlando and Kissimmee) offers HIV testing at no cost, with or without an appointment. We don’t want cost or inconvenience to stand in the way of you taking charge of your health. 

How Long Do Test Results Take?

Different types of HIV tests have varying result turnaround times. Let’s begin by understanding how each test functions to detect the presence of HIV in your body.

Your immune system produces antibodies and antigens when exposed to viruses like HIV. Three types of HIV tests measure those antibodies or antigens: antibody tests, antigen/antibody tests, and nucleic acid tests (NAT). Antigens are foreign substances that trigger your immune response. In HIV, an antigen called p24 appears before antibodies develop.

Antibody tests, also called rapid tests or finger stick tests, look for antibodies in your blood or saliva. The rapid tests we offer at our Tampa HIV clinic and our other locations are the finger stick tests.

However, we can perform blood draws for the antigen/antibody tests at the patient’s request or at the provider’s recommendation. The rapid test is approximately 20 minutes. If your test is sent to the lab, it can take a few days to get results.

Nucleic acid tests look for the HIV virus in your blood. This test involves drawing blood from a vein and sending it to a lab for analysis. It’s capable of determining HIV presence and measuring virus levels in the bloodstream (known as the HIV viral load). 

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?

We manage HIV with a combination of medications called Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). When taken regularly, HAART can effectively reduce HIV levels in the body to the point that you do not sexually transmit the virus as long as you take your medication as prescribed. However, you should 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!

Still nervous about getting tested? Don’t be! Let our friend, L.C., put your mind at ease.

“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 charge of your sexual health starts with knowing your status. Getting tested is the first step in this journey, ensuring you’re informed and empowered to make healthy choices for yourself and those around you. Contact us today if you have questions, or stop by for a test and grab some free condoms on your way out!