HIV is diagnosed by a blood test. Rapid tests, called HIV antibody tests, are available that can be done at home or during a visit with the doctor and provide results within minutes. If an HIV antibody test is positive, it is vital to confirm the result with a laboratory test, either an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. [1]
How is human immunodeficiency virus diagnosed?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is diagnosed using a blood test, including rapid antibody tests. A positive result from an antibody test requires confirmation with a laboratory test.