HIV is diagnosed by a blood, cheek cell, or urine test to check for the presence of HIV antibodies in the fluids that the body forms in response to the presence of HIV. HIV antibodies begin to appear in the body within days to a few months after exposure, though it can take as long as six months for antibodies to develop.

To find a provider of HIV testing, talk to your personal doctor or perform an internet search in your local area for:

• Planned Parenthood
• other sexual health clinics
• hospitals
• community medical clinics
• HIV specialists
• university medical programs and research projects

In the United States, call the CDC STD/HIV Hotline at (800) 342-2437 to find a testing location near you. The Hotline is confidential, and available twenty-four hours a day.

Also, you can find a U.S. testing location near you at National HIV and STD Testing Resources.

Rapid HIV testing is now being offered at an increasing number of locations, which can provide results almost immediately. Otherwise, the testing process can take a week or two to complete.