HIV Testing: No Home Diagnosis for AIDS, but Home HIV Tests Exist—Get Tested Early

There is no home test for AIDS. AIDS is a clinical diagnosis based on CD4 count <200 cells/μL or opportunistic illnesses in an HIV-positive person.

HIV Testing Options

• Lab-Based (Venous Blood): 4th-gen Ag/Ab combo assay — detects p24 antigen (2–3 weeks post-exposure) and antibodies (3–4 weeks). Gold standard.
• Rapid Point-of-Care (Fingerstick/Oral Fluid): Results in 20 min; 3rd-gen (Ab only) or 4th-gen. Window period longer than lab test.
• Home Self-Test (OraQuick In-Home HIV Test): Oral swab; results in 20 min. FDA-approved. Sensitivity ~92% (lower during window period). Positive result requires confirmatory lab testing.
• Home Collection Kit: Fingerstick blood mailed to lab; results by phone/app.

Window Period

No test detects HIV immediately. Eclipse period (0–10 days): no test positive. 4th-gen lab test: median 18 days. 3rd-gen rapid/self-test: median 23–90 days.

Recommendation

• If recent exposure (<72 hr): Seek PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) immediately.
• Routine screening: Everyone 13–64 at least once; high-risk groups annually.
• Early diagnosis → early ART → near-normal lifespan, undetectable = untransmittable (U=U).

Free, confidential testing available at health departments, Planned Parenthood, community clinics. Visit gettested.cdc.gov.