Types of HIV tests

There are different types of HIV tests, all of which work in slightly different ways. A healthcare worker will be able to explain which test you are taking and what you have to do. Here are the different types of tests: 

3rd generation antibody test 

• What does it test for? HIV antibodies 

• When can HIV be detected? 3 months after exposure 

• How long do results take? Between a few days and a few weeks 

4th generation antibody test 

• What does it test for? HIV antibodies and viral proteins 

• When can HIV be detected? 1 month after exposure 

• How long do results take? Between a few days and a few weeks 

Rapid test 

• What does it test for? HIV antibodies 

• When can HIV be detected? 3 months after exposure 

• How long do results take? Within 20 minutes 

Self testing 

• What does it test for? HIV antibodies 

• When can HIV be detected? 3 months after exposure 

• How long do results take? Within 20 minutes 

Tests are very reliable, but if your result comes back positive, you should have a second confirmatory test to double-check your result.