In South Africa there are various testing clinics so one does not need to travel far.
Before the HIV test, the tester will explain how one will be notified of one’s results. Depending on the type of test taken, one will have to wait either a few minutes for the results (rapid HIV test or self-testing), or anywhere between a couple of days and a couple of weeks (laboratory test).
Pre-HIV test counselling is extremely important. When waiting for the HIV test results, the counsellor may anticipate this difficult waiting period by discussing some points.
She may find out the names of people to be contacted for moral support while waiting for the results. She will encourage the client to contact her or a colleague should there be any questions. She would counsel the client on how to protect sex partners (e.g. to use condoms) in the waiting period. Should the result be positive.
There are several HIV Testing options, and it depends on how long ago one may have been exposed.
HIV, like many STD’s, takes time before it can be accurately detected. The time between infection and accurate detection is known as the “window” or “incubation” period. There are three types of HIV test which can detect the virus at different window periods:
The 10 Day HIV DNA PCR HIV Test is one that is taken for exposure that occurred more than 10 days prior to taking the test.
The 28 Day HIV DUO HIV Test is one that is taken for exposure that occurred more than 28 days prior to taking the test.
The 90 day test is no longer in use, although it was used previously.