Testing

The importance of getting tested

The only way to know your HIV status for sure is to get tested. A person who is HIV positive may look and feel perfectly well, and be unaware that they are infected.

HIV antibody tests

There are three possible HIV antibody tests: HIV ELISA tests, HIV rapid tests and saliva and urine tests.

Viral tests

Viral tests are used to diagnose very early HIV infection. There are two types of test available to detect HIV itself, the PCR test and the p24 test.

HIV tests used in babies and young children

Testing young children under 18 months of age is a little more difficult than testing older children and adults.

What is the "window period?"

The window period is the period between the onset of HIV infection and the appearance of detectable antibodies to the virus.

Home testing

HIV home testing is available in some countries, and refers to two different types of test: home collection and home self-test.

Tests used to monitor HIV disease

Look at the following tests used to monitor HIV disease in South Africa:

I had unsafe sex. Now what?

If you’ve had unsafe sex, you’re probably feeling anxious and uncertain about the best course of action. Here’s what to do.