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Key points

  • UK guidelines recommend the use of combined antibody/antigen laboratory tests. Antibody-only tests are no longer recommended.
  • Combined antibody/antigen laboratory tests are exceptionally accurate and usually able to detect infection within a month after exposure.
  • Point-of-care (rapid) tests, self-testing and self-sampling services are more convenient for some users. Improving the availability of these services may lead to more people receiving HIV test results.
  • There are limitations to the performance of some of the more convenient testing methods – they do not always reach the standards of combined laboratory tests.
  • An HIV-positive diagnosis should never be given on the basis of a single test result – confirmatory tests are always required.

HIV testing technologies

Published December 2014

Last reviewed December 2014

Next review December 2017

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.