What does the test involve?

The HIV test detects antibodies to HIV. It requires a sample of blood or fluid from inside the mouth.

For the blood test, blood is drawn either from the arm or from the finger with a needlestick. Results from oral-fluid or blood tests usually take 1 to 2 weeks.

For the oral-fluid test (called OraSure), a probe that looks like a toothbrush sits in your mouth between your cheek and gums for about 4 minutes.

However, there are now rapid tests for both oral fluid and blood that give results in less than 30 minutes. Rapid tests require special handling, and not every VA medical center or clinic offers them. What's more, positive results from rapid tests must be confirmed by another, more sensitive, test--and getting those results can take 1-2 weeks. A negative result from the rapid test does not need to be confirmed. (For more information, see HIV Rapid Oral Test brochure).

Previous | Next