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How to Get an HIV Test If you're interested in getting an HIV test, there are many options available. You can go to a doctor for a blood test or use an at-home test kit. In either case, a sample of your saliva will be collected using a special swab. The results will be available online two to five days later. Some tests are confidential; others are not. A positive test result means that you have HIV infection and need to receive treatment. A negative result means that you have not been infected for long enough to have developed antibodies to the virus. Nonetheless, a negative result may be a false negative if you've been exposed to HIV recently. Therefore, it's best to discuss the results with your healthcare provider.If you have a positive test result, a healthcare professional may recommend a follow-up assessment or blood test. If you have been exposed to HIV in the past, it's important to get retested as soon as possible. A home test is accurate, but it may take lo