<h3 data-pm-slice=”1 3 []”>Why Test?</h3>
Testing is the gateway to everything: treatment, prevention, and protecting partners. Many infections have no symptoms—testing is the only way to know.
<h3>Who Should Get Tested?</h3>
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<li><strong>Everyone at least once between ages 13–64</strong> as part of routine health care (“opt‑out” works well).</li>
<li><strong>People with ongoing risk</strong> (multiple partners, condomless sex, partner with HIV, STI diagnosis, injection drug use) should test <strong>at least annually</strong>; some groups (sexually active gay & bisexual men) may benefit from testing <strong>every 3–6 months</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Pregnant people:</strong> Test during <em>each</em> pregnancy; earlier testing + treatment helps prevent perinatal transmission.</li>
<li><strong>Ages 15–65:</strong> Strong evidence supports routine screening across this range (USPSTF). Younger adolescents & older adults: test if risk factors.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Types of HIV Tests</h3>
<strong>Antibody tests</strong> (blood or oral fluid) – most rapid & self‑tests.
<strong>Antigen/antibody tests</strong> – detect p24 antigen earlier; common in labs; some rapid finger‑stick versions.
<strong>Nucleic Acid Test (NAT)</strong> – detects virus earliest; used for recent high‑risk exposures or early symptoms.
<h3>Window Period Basics</h3>
Different tests detect HIV at different times after exposure; if you test too soon, you may need a follow‑up test. Ask the testing site what type of test they use and when to retest.
<h3>What to Expect at a Testing Visit</h3>
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<li>Brief risk & sexual health history (optional in some settings).</li>
<li>Consent (often routine/opt‑out in medical care).</li>
<li>Sample collected (finger stick blood, vein draw, or oral swab).</li>
<li>Rapid test results in ~20–30 minutes; lab tests may take a few days.</li>
<li>Staff explain results, next steps, and prevention or treatment options (PrEP, condoms, linkage to HIV care).</li>
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