What is the screening test for HIV?
An HIV test checks for HIV antibodies or antigens in the blood. If HIV antibodies or antigens are found, the test is considered positive.
Most doctors use a blood test to screen for HIV infection. If the test is positive (meaning that HIV antibodies or antigens are found), a test to detect HIV RNA or DNA will be done to be sure. Sometimes an RNA or DNA test is done at the same time as the first test.
If you think you were recently exposed to HIV, tell your doctor. You may need an RNA or DNA test. Or you may need to be tested again. This is done to make sure that HIV RNA, DNA, antibodies, or antigens don't appear at a later time.
Who should be screened for HIV?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people should get tested for HIV as part of their regular medical care.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends HIV testing for:
- People 15 to 65 years old as part of regular medical care.
- Anyone who is pregnant.
- People younger than 15 and older than 65 if they have a high risk for HIV, such as people who do things that put them at a higher risk for HIV. One thing that puts people at a higher risk is being a man who has sex with other men. Another thing is sharing needles, syringes, and injection supplies with other people. The more high-risk things you do, the higher your risk.
You and your doctor can decide if testing is right for you.
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