- If you are infected with HIV one day, an HIV test will not show that you
have been infected the next day. It takes as long as six months for some
individuals to test HIV positive (meaning they are infected with HIV)
after they are first exposed to the virus. However, most people who are
infected with HIV will test positive somewhere between two weeks and three
months after their infection occurred.
- In most states teenagers can be tested for HIV without the consent of
their parents, as long as they are at least 14 years of age. Many HIV
testing clinics will allow you to test anonymously, and you are not
required to provide the testing clinic with your name, address or phone
number. You are assigned a number, which you must provide to the testing
clinic when you pick up your test results. You have to pick up your results
in person, normally available within 7 to 14 days following the test.
- HIV tests can usually be received free of charge or at a modest fee.
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