What are the different types of HIV tests?
There are three types of tests used to diagnose HIV infection: antibody tests, antigen/antibody tests, and nucleic acid tests (NATs).
Last updated on 29 Jun 2023
An antigen/antibody test performed by a lab on blood from a vein can usually detect HIV 18 to 45 days after exposure. There is also a rapid antigen/antibody test available that is done with a finger stick.
No
A NAT (nucleic acid test) can detect HIV sooner than other types of tests.
A rapid antigen/antibody test done with blood from a finger stick can usually detect HIV 18 to 90 days after exposure
Yes
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