Making the Diagnosis
If you think you may be infected with HIV, the only way to know for sure is to be tested. Testing is voluntary and anonymous. Your results will remain confidential.
A simple, highly accurate blood test called ELISA detects HIV antibodies. Since this test detects HIV antibodies, it usually takes about 3 months after infection before the test would be positive. The first test may take place right in your doctor's office. In this case, the preliminary result would be available in about 20 minutes. Your blood sample may be sent off to an approved HIV-testing lab instead. This test takes 7 to 14 days. Waiting for the results of an HIV test is stressful, but testing centers offer counseling to help. If the first test is positive, more tests can be used to confirm the diagnosis and see how far the infection has progressed.
If HIV infection is confirmed, your doctor will discuss treatment options as well as support groups and other services to help you cope. You should inform your sexual partners (past, current, and future) to protect them from developing HIV or help them get treatment if they have been infected. The laws about whether partners must be informed vary from state to state, but most states have developed services for notifying partners. Your doctor or local health authority may be able to help your partners get testing and treatment if needed.