A testing center will either do a blood draw, skin prick, or oral swab to test for HIV (there is no HIV in your saliva, just antibodies to HIV). Although the test itself may only take a couple of hours or even minutes, your testing center will most likely do them in batches, resulting in a week or two wait. Luckily, all this waiting rewards you with a very accurate test. If it’s negative, you are HIV-free (assuming you are not in the window period). If the test is positive, they will run another confirmatory test. Testing is either done anonymously, meaning your name is not associated with your results, or confidentially, meaning the testing center knows your name and may record your status in your medical file.
If you are interested in finding a testing site near you, or would like to find out more information about risk factors for HIV, call the California AIDS Hotline. It’s anonymous, free, and very informative.
California AIDS Hotline
1-800-367-AIDS
