HIV-Aids and STD's

HIV Testing

An antigen/antibody test performed by a laboratory on blood from a vein can usually detect HIV 18 to 45 days after exposure. There is also a rapid antigen/antibody test that is done with a finger stick. Antigen/antibody tests performed on finger stick blood may take 18 to 90 days after exposure.

Antigen/antibody tests are recommended for laboratory testing and are common in the United States. This lab test involves drawing blood from a vein. A rapid antigen/antibody test is also available, which is done using blood from a fingers tick.