Doctor's Assessment Included
Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
HIV Screening
The HIV Screening test is an initial test designed to detect HIV antibodies in your blood. It serves as a first step in HIV diagnosis, with positive results requiring confirmation through additional testing methods.
What It Measures
This test detects antibodies that the immune system produces in response to HIV infection. When the body encounters HIV, it generates specific antibodies as part of its immune response, and this test identifies their presence in the blood.
The window period for antibody detection typically ranges from three to twelve weeks after exposure, depending on the specific test methodology used. During this window period, a person may be infected but not yet produce detectable antibodies.
Why It Matters
HIV screening is a fundamental component of sexual health care. Early detection allows for timely access to antiretroviral therapy, which can dramatically improve health outcomes and quality of life. Knowing your HIV status is empowering and enables informed health decisions.
From a public health perspective, screening helps reduce onward transmission. People who know their status and receive treatment can achieve an undetectable viral load, effectively eliminating the risk of sexual transmission.
When to Test
HIV screening is recommended at least once for all adults as part of routine health care. More frequent testing is advised for individuals with ongoing risk factors, such as new or multiple sexual partners, unprotected sexual contact, or injection drug use.
For the most accurate results with this antibody-based test, testing is recommended at least three weeks after potential exposure, with a follow-up test at twelve weeks for definitive results.
Recommendations
Male
Non-reactive result indicates no HIV infection detected. Continue safe practices and regular testing if at risk.
Reactive result requires immediate confirmatory testing. Consult an infectious disease specialist for evaluation.
Female
Non-reactive result indicates no HIV infection detected. Continue safe practices and regular testing if at risk.
Reactive result requires immediate confirmatory testing. Consult an infectious disease specialist for evaluation.
Lifestyle Tips
Incorporate HIV screening into your regular health check-ups. Normalising testing as routine health care helps reduce stigma and supports early detection. Discuss your testing schedule with your healthcare provider based on your individual risk factors.
Practise safer sex through consistent condom use and consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you are at higher risk. Open communication with sexual partners about testing and status supports mutual health and wellbeing.