What is an HIV test?
The test involves taking a small amount of blood, usually from the arm,
which is tested for antibodies to the virus.
These will only be present in your blood if you have been infected with HIV.
It can take up to 3 months following exposure to HIV for your body
to produce these antibodies.
This 3 month period is often referred to as the “window” period.
For the test to be of value therefore, you will have to wait for 3 months after
possible exposure to HIV before having an HIV test.
As long as you have your test after this three month period, a negative test
result means that you have not been infected by HIV.
If your test result is positive, this means that you have been infected by HIV.
If you are unsure about whether you may have been infected with HIV or are
worried about the waiting period before having a test, you can talk about this
or any other concerns you may have by contacting Gay Men's Health on
0131 558 9444.
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