The Early Test includes an HIV Viral Test that allows diagnosis of HIV within one week after a potential exposure. This test is paired with an HIV Rapid Test, so that together the Early Test is a great test for people who want to know their HIV status and want to know their results as soon as possible after a possible exposure. Here is a more detailed description of the two HIV tests that are involved in the Early Test Program:

 

The Rapid Test looks for the antibody to HIV, not directly for the virus. Antibodies generally take up 4 - 6 weeks to develop, and sometimes as long as 3 months. A Rapid HIV Test usually involves a mouth swab. The results are given in 20 minutes. With the Rapid test, it is suggested that you wait three months after a potential exposure to be tested (“3-month window period”). Rapid antibody tests alone will NOT diagnose HIV infection during the “window” period of VERY early infection, since antibodies take so long to develop before they can be measured by these tests.

 

The HIV Viral Test is a simple blood test that looks directly for the virus, HIV. The results of this test are available in about two weeks. With the HIV Viral Test, you only need to wait seven days after a potential exposure to be tested (“7-day window period”).

 

When paired together, the Rapid HIV Test and the HIV Viral Test offer a great option for people who want to know their HIV status soon after any recent risky exposure.

As early as one week after exposure.