HIV Testing near me

HIV Test FAQs

• Who should get an HIV test?

  Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get an HIV test at least once in their life. Some people have a higher risk of HIV infection and should be tested more often. This includes sexually active gay men, those who have had sex with a partner who is HIV positive, those who inject drugs, or those who have unprotected sex. If these risk factors apply to you, you may want to get tested every 6-12 months.

• How do they test for HIV?

  HIV tests look for antibodies that your body has produced in response to the virus. This can be done with a blood test or by using a sample of cells taken from the inside of the cheek. The sample is then sent to a laboratory, where a technician will examine it for the presence of antibodies.

• How long should I wait to get an HIV test?

  If you become infected with HIV, it can take a while for your body to produce enough antibodies for a test to diagnose the infection. It may take 3-12 weeks for enough antibodies to be present in your blood. You could get a negative test result during this period even if you have HIV.

• How long will I have to wait for HIV test results?

  Because the sample needs to be sent to a laboratory for examination, most HIV test results can take between a few days and several weeks. However, some clinics or doctor’s offices may offer rapid HIV tests, which can deliver a diagnosis in 20 minutes. Rapid HIV tests use a small sample of blood or fluid collected from the mouth. If you have a positive result from a rapid test, you will need a follow-up blood test to confirm the diagnosis.

• How much does an HIV test cost?

  The cost for an HIV test will depend on several factors, including the type of test you receive, where you get tested, and whether you have health insurance. Some clinics or health departments may offer free or low-cost HIV tests. If you’re a college student, your school may offer free HIV tests.

• Is HIV testing covered by my insurance?

  Most insurance plans cover HIV testing. Because of the Affordable Care Act, most new insurance plans must cover HIV testing for anyone between the ages of 15 to 65, with no copay. If you have questions about what’s covered under your specific health plan, you can always call your insurance company or check their website.

• Where can I get an HIV test?

  HIV testing is available at doctor’s offices, the health department, and many health clinics. Additionally, some pharmacies with in-house clinics may offer HIV testing. Even though some clinics may offer walk-in appointments, making an appointment in advance will reduce your wait time and ensure that you can get your test the same day.

• Can I get a same-day appointment for HIV testing?

  Yes, same-day and next-day appointments for HIV testing can easily be booked through Solv. We partner with thousands of healthcare providers nationwide to make it easy for everyone to access the medical care they need quickly and conveniently. Search our website for a provider near you and instantly make an appointment online.

• How can I book an HIV test on Solv?

  In the search box on our website, simply enter “HIV test” and your location. The next page will show you a list of providers and their available appointment times. Select a time and location that are convenient for you, and enter your information to book your appointment. Be sure to include “HIV testing” as the reason for your visit.

• Can I test myself for HIV at home?

  Some home HIV tests are available, but not all are reliable or even approved by the FDA. A home test will require you to take a swab from the inside of your mouth or take a blood sample using a finger pricker. If you receive a positive result from a home HIV test, you should follow up with a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and get treated.