What kinds of antibody tests are available?
At the current time, there are HIV antibody tests that can be performed on blood and oral fluids (not saliva). Most HIV antibody testing is done in doctor’s offices, at clinics, and at anonymous or confidential testing sites. Before the test is done, a counselor, health care provider or doctor will discuss the test and review the risks for getting HIV. The test is done and the individual must return at a later date to discuss the test result and the recommended next steps. There is one HIV antibody collection kit that can be purchased in pharmacies and other stores for home use. With this test, a lancet is used to obtain a small amount of blood from a finger. The sample is then sent to the company for processing. For this kind of antibody test, individuals call the company to get the test result using an anonymous code number.
