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The AVRC offers specialized HIV testing for those who think they may have been recently exposed to HIV infection. The Early Test is confidential and is offered at no cost to anyone who wants it.
The Early Test includes an HIV viral test which allows for diagnosis of HIV within one week after a potential exposure. The test is paired with an HIV Rapid Test.
The Rapid Test looks for the antibody to HIV, not the actual virus.
Antibodies are specific proteins that your body produces in response to an infection. The antibody for HIV usually is produced by the body 4-6 weeks after an infection occurs. In some cases it may take up to 3 months.
The Rapid test is usually administered, by having the person swab a special test stick across their gums. It is developed in a special test solution and results are ready in 20 minutes.
Because the antibody for HIV may not be present in your blood until 3 months after the exposure, it is recommended that the Rapid Test be taken 3 months after a potential exposure. This is what we describe as the “3 month window period” (the time from actual infection, to the time that antibodies can be detected.)
The Early Test or viral test is a simple blood test that looks directly for the virus.
It can be detected in the blood one week after a potential exposure.
When the Rapid Test is paired with The Early test, a person can find out in 20 minutes, whether or not they were infected 3 months ago or longer. The Early Test results are available in 2 weeks.
To schedule your free Early Test, call 619-543-8080.
Visit the Early Test website at: http://theearlytest.ucsd.edu
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