Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Test

HIV Test

How To Prepare

No special preparation is needed before having this test.

A test for HIV infection cannot be done without your consent. Most doctors offer counseling before and after the test to discuss:

  • How the test is done, what the results mean, and any other tests that may be done.
  • How the diagnosis of an HIV infection may affect your social, emotional, professional, and financial outlooks.
  • The benefits of early diagnosis and treatment.

Before the test, it is important to tell your doctor how and where to contact you when your test results are ready. If your doctor has not contacted you within 1 to 2 weeks of your test, call and ask for your results.


Go to previous section Go to previous sectionGo to top of page Go to top of pageGo to next section Go to next section

Author: Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS Last Updated: February 17, 2009
Medical Review: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine

© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Click here to learn about Healthwise

Topic Contents
 Test Overview
 Why It Is Done
Arrow PointerHow To Prepare
 How It Is Done
 How It Feels
 Risks
 Results
 What Affects the Test
 What To Think About
 References
 Credits