HIV testing is used to detect the presence of HIV, or the human immunodeficiency virus. This virus causes an infection that is transmitted from person to person via bodily fluids like semen, vaginal fluids, blood and breast milk. HIV attacks your immune system, making it easier for you to get sick and even die from infections that your body could otherwise fight off. HIV-positive individuals may or may not develop an AIDS infection.
Normally, scheduling testing can include speaking to multiple people about your intention for an HIV test, requiring your personal information to be disclosed. At Priority STD, we value your privacy and your time. Our online scheduling system makes it easy to locate an HIV testing facility in your area so you’re in and out without hoops, hurdles or judgement.
ORDER
Purchase your lab order privately online or over the phone. The process is simple, quick, and secure. Our care counselors are available to answer any questions you may have or help schedule testing.
VISIT
Get tested same day at any of our 4,000 private locations, no appointment is needed after ordering. Our collection facilities are discreet, no other patients will know the reason for your visit.
RESULTS
Our test results are lightning fast and typically process in just 24-72 hours. You can access your results online through a secure patient login, or by calling one of our care counselors. Treatment options are available as well.
What everyone should know about HIV testing.
How HIV Testing Works
HIV tests are usually performed at a healthcare facility, although there are certain at-home tests, and consist of a simple blood, saliva or urine test.1 However, we know swabbing is an often uncomfortable experience that everyone would rather do without—given the chance. That’s why Priority STD only requires a simple blood test to accurately identify an HIV infection.
Once your test is completed, results will be available within 24 to 72 hours through a secure, private online portal. Upon a positive HIV test result, treatment recommendations and support resources are provided as well.
Why Order HIV Testing
HIV is currently one of the deadliest infectious diseases. For key populations, people who engage in intravenous drug use, sex workers, and males engaging in same-sex intercourse,2 it’s important to prioritize testing to confirm your status. And because HIV can be passed to babies during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding, HIV testing is recommended for expecting mothers.
Although HIV is still considered to be an epidemic, new HIV infections have been reduced by 52% since the peak in 1997.2 Catching HIV early can ensure a longer, healthier life, while also reducing risk for transmission.
When to Get Tested
HIV testing is recommended for everyone at least once in their lifetime and more frequently for at-risk individuals.
Early symptoms of HIV can mimic a common cold or flu, so many individuals mistake it for something less serious. If you have flu-like symptoms and suspect an infection, it’s best to get tested just to be sure.
HIV tests identify antibodies in your body to determine the presence of the virus, so it’s recommended you wait 3 months before getting tested to avoid a false negative result. HIV early detection testing is also available, which uses a different screening method that is accurate in as little as 9 days after the infection.
HIV Treatment
There is currently no cure for HIV. That being said, great strides have been made in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS in the last 30 years. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is the primary treatment for HIV patients.3 It’s a daily regime of a unique combination of antivirals as prescribed by your doctor. The goal of these strict regimens is to keep your viral load low,4 which means preventing HIV from multiplying within the body.
As long as you adhere to your regime, the use of these drugs prevents the continued transmission of HIV to sexual partners and keeps you healthy!
If you’ve made it to this page, chances are your mind is going in a million directions. The possibilities of being HIV-positive can feel overwhelming and scary.
Thankfully, modern medicine has made incredible progress in the treatment of HIV/AIDS—it’s no longer a death sentence. Many HIV-positive individuals go on to live long, healthy and happy lives.
At Priority STD, we understand the HIV testing period can be the most vulnerable and critical period in your journey. So we make sure scheduling is simple, testing is non-invasive, and the cost is straightforward. Our goal is to get you results quickly and make sure you feel supported every step of the way.
Have Questions?
Do you take walk-ins?
To get same day testing, simply purchase your lab order either online from our website or over the phone with one of our care counselors. Once your order has been placed, you can get tested immediately at any of our local and discreet collection facilities without an appointment. No other patients at the testing center will know your reason for visiting other than to give a routine urine and blood sample.
How do I get my test results?
Your test results are accessible through a secure login unique to your order, updated 24 hours a day including partial results. Once your final results are available, you'll be notified by email discreetly. Test results are expedited as a rush order and typically process just 24-72 hours after visiting the collection facility. If you have questions about your results or require a treatment consult, our care counselors are just a phone call away. Nothing will ever be sent to your home or healthcare provider to respect your privacy.
What can I expect when I get to the collection site?
We understand that STD testing can be an embarrassing experience. We utilize Quest Diagnostics collection sites that are discreet and nondescript. This means you will never be singled out for getting tested, and nobody in the lobby will know your reason for visiting. You will never be sent to a public clinic, health department, or doctors office.
How accurate are my test results?
All of the tests we offer are FDA approved and performed in CLIA certified labs to ensure the highest level of accuracy. Some STDs require that you wait a period of time after sexual contact before getting tested. Each disease has a different latency period, so understanding when to test is important. If you have questions, our care counselors are happy to walk you through the process, start to finish.
Do I need to fast before getting tested?
No fasting is required for any type of test we offer. If you are testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis, please ensure that you have not urinated for at least one hour prior to visiting the testing center.
Do you accept insurance?
To use your health insurance, we are able to provide all of the necessary information to file a self-claim. We utilize Quest Diagnostics which is the largest lab network in the nation, therefore most healthcare providers will offer some form of reimbursement. We will never directly bill your insurance to ensure your results are completely private and kept off of your permanent health record.
Sources
- “Types of Hiv Tests.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 13, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/
- “Global HIV & Aids Statistics – Fact Sheet.” UNAIDS, n.d. https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/fact-sheet
- “Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).” National Institutes of Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Accessed September 8, 2021. https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/glossary/antiretroviral-therapy-art
- “Hiv Treatment: The Basics.” National Institutes of Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, March 2, 2020. https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/hiv-treatment-basics