When to Get Tested

Window period:
When testing for HIV, keep in mind that the test is looking for antibodies and not the virus itself. When the body is infected with a virus such as HIV, the body's immune system initiates a response to fight the infection. Antibodies are part of the fight and are released into the bloodstream. There is a "window period" that exists between the time an infection enters your body and when your immune system reacts to the infection via an antibody response. The defined window period for HIV antibodies is 3 months, with the possibility of up to 6 months in individuals with an already compromised immune system. However, a majority of the population will start producing HIV antibodies before the 3 month mark; however each individual is different.

In other words, when getting tested for HIV, think about the last possible exposure you experienced. If this occurrence was within the last three months, the test may or may not be accurate (your body may not have yet produced enough HIV antibodies to be detected by the testing device). You should retest again at the 3 month mark, and possibly again at 6 months just to be sure. Remember that, if you engage in any risk behaviors during this “window period” time, it will cause your follow-up testing sessions to be inaccurate.

Please refer to BCAP’s The Facts page for information on how you can reduce your risk for contracting HIV.

What to Expect During the Testing Session:

HIV antibodies are detectable in blood, plasma or saliva. When getting tested for HIV using a rapid antibody test, one of two options will most likely be offered: Uni-Gold or OraQuick Advance. If you want to be tested using a specific device, you may want to call ahead and confirm with the testing site which type of HIV test is going to be used during the session. Sometimes agencies use only OraQuick Advance or only Uni-Gold, or even OraSure.

Uni-Gold is an HIV antibody test that requires a small collection of blood through a finger prick to detect HIV antibodies.  Uni-Gold checks for HIV antibodies, not the actual virus.

A trained professional (your tester) will prick your finger and collect a blood sample with a small pipette.  The blood sample is then transferred to a pad where it is mixed with developing solution.  During the testing and counseling session, you will have the opportunity to discuss your risk for HIV, get your questions answered and receive referrals for other services related to your sexual health as needed.

Uni-Gold tests for HIV-1 (the most common type of HIV in the United States) and takes 10 minutes to receive a result.  Uni-Gold is capable of detecting HIV antibodies (if they are present) 4-6 weeks after exposure.

OraQuick Advance is an HIV antibody test that requires a small collection of a mucosal sample to detect HIV antibodies. OraQuick Advance checks for HIV antibodies, not the actual virus.

A trained professional (your tester) will have you swab your mouth with a padded device. The device is then transferred to a vial where it is mixed with a developing solution. During the testing and counseling session you will have the opportunity to discuss your risk for HIV, get your questions answered and receive referrals for other services related to your sexual health if needed.

OraQuick Advance tests for both HIV-1 and HIV-2 (a less aggressive type of HIV not commonly seen in the United States) and takes 20 minutes to receive a result.  OraQuick is capable of detecting HIV antibodies (if they are present) as early as 3 weeks after exposure but may not be able to detect antibodies for up to 3 months.

How You Are Identified During the Testing Session

In addition to deciding the type of test to be used, you will also have to decide how you want to be identified while testing: either anonymously or confidentially.

Anonymous testing means that you do not need to give your name, address, or other personally identifying information to the counselor. You are assigned a code of letters and/or numbers and your test results are identified by this code only. No one but you can match your name with your test results. You will not be able to receive a copy of your test results.

Confidential testing, on the other hand, requires information that identifies you, such as your name and medical record number, be given to the counselor. If you are tested through your doctor, the results will likely be included in your medical record. It is important to know that information recorded in your medical record cannot be reported to an insurance company without your permission. A court of law could also obtain your records in a legal case by issuing a subpoena.

Your HIV testing records are for YOU ONLY, regardless of how you test. Agencies providing HIV testing and counseling operate under strict confidentiality laws surrounding testing records. At BCAP, the act of sharing test information, including what was discussed during the testing session, violates Federal law and BCAP policy. Friends, partners, family, employers and insurance companies CANNOT access your records without your permission. However, if there is a potential concern of any kind, you may want to choose anonymous testing.

Please refer to BCAP’s HIV Testing page for information on where you can get tested for HIV in Boulder.