People must be tested to find out if they have HIV. When people have HIV, their bodies make substances called HIV antibodies. HIV tests show if a person’s blood has HIV antibodies in it. If it does, that person is HIV+.
It takes time for HIV antibodies to build up in the body. A person must have been infected with HIV for at least 3 to 6 months before a test can tell if he or she has HIV. This chart shows the 3 most common tests:
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If you are sexually active or use IV drugs, you should get tested for HIV every 6 months. To find a local testing center click here.
Next >> How HIV works in the body