The only reliable way to tell if you are infected with HIV is to get tested. This is because many people with HIV do not experience symptoms for years after the initial infection or have symptoms that are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses. The average time for the antibody to be detected is two weeks after exposure to the virus.

After screening tests identify patients with the HIV virus, lab tests then help guide physicians in selecting the most appropriate drugs for the patient. One of the primary diagnostic tests is the viral load test to measure the level of the virus in the patient. If the viral load is going up, then one or more of the drugs is likely not working. With this information, physicians can adjust medication or do additional diagnostic tests to find out if the patient’s HIV virus is developing resistance to HIV drugs. When resistance develops, the physician can replace the drugs that are no longer effective.

For more information on HIV and AIDS from the CDC, click here.

SaveOnLabs provides a secure and private source for HIV testing. Your HIV status, like other medical conditions and test results, is protected by the HIPAA Privacy Rule and cannot be shared with friends, family, or employers without your written permission. Should you test positive for HIV, we recommend that you seek immediate medical treatment--even if you feel symptom free. Prompt medical care may delay the onset of AIDS and prevent some life-threatening conditions. In order to comply with state-mandated regulations, all new cases of HIV are reported to the appropriate state and local health departments.

Click on the title of any lab test listed below for more information.