What you should know before you order a test kit
It can take a while for the immune system to produce enough antibodies for the test to detect. While most people (97%) will develop detectable antibodies in the first 3 months after the initial infection, some will not. Therefore, a negative result does not mean that you are definitely not infected with HIV, particularly when exposure may have been within the previous three months. If you think you may have been exposed recently, you may want to get a second test after a 3-month period to verify your negative result.
If you think you’ve been recently exposed to HIV (in the last 2 days), consider taking PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). PEP is an antiretroviral medication you can take after being exposed to HIV to prevent becoming infected. You can get PEP from your doctor, from local health clinics, and even from any hospital emergency room. Also, for those who are HIV negative, but are at an ongoing risk of HIV, PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication that significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection. To find out more about PrEP and to locate local providers, go to the HPCP’s PrEP information page.
Finally, don’t take the self-test if:
- you are under 18 years of age
- you have tested positive for HIV in the past
- you are HIV positive and on treatment for HIV
- you are uncomfortable administering an HIV self-test
