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HIV Testing

Getting an HIV test is the first step in finding out. It's also a vital part of preventing the spread of HIV. Regardless of the result, getting an HIV test can empower you to make decisions that are right for you and take the necessary steps to live a healthy life.

Rapid HIV Tests

There are several tests currently approved by the FDA that provide results in 10 to 40 minutes. All rapid tests look for the presence of HIV antibodies. Results of rapid tests are either negative or reactive. A negative test means that no HIV antibodies were detected by the test. If the test result is negative and the individual testing has had three or more months without an HIV risk exposure, the person is considered to be negative. If the test result is reactive, meaning that HIV antibodies have been detected, a confirmatory test is required before a diagnosis of HIV infection can be given. A Western Blot test is generally used as the confirmatory test. This is done through a blood draw and processed at a medical lab. Results of this test are generally available in one to two weeks.

Anonymous or Confidential Testing

Many sites will test you without asking you to provide proof of your identity. These sites may ask you for a name or some kind of identifier, but it does not have to be your name. Other sites will ask you if you prefer to test anonymously or confidentially and let you decide before the test is administered. Some sites will only test confidentially meaning they require your name and other identifying information along with an ID.

All positive HIV tests are required by Minnesota law to be reported to the Minnesota Department of Health along with all of the identifying information that the person who tests has provided. This information is maintained confidentially and specific information about the individual is not released for public use.

If you have concerns about whether you will be given a choice of testing anonymously or confidentially, call the testing site you want to go to and ask about its policy.

For a testing sites near you, visit our HIV Testing Services page or contact the AIDSLine:

CONTACT AIDSLINE

Questions about HIV? Contact the AIDSLine.

HIV RISK ASSESSMENT

Understand your risk with our HIV Risk Assessment.

HIV SERVICES LOCATOR

Living with HIV? Our HIV Services Locator can help.