There are currently two ways you can get tested for HIV in Victoria – a rapid test or a conventional blood test.
Either way, getting an HIV test in Victoria currently involves giving a blood sample. In the case of a rapid HIV test – by a quick fingerprick with a result available 10-20 minutes later. The second option is a conventional blood test which involves blood being taken from a vein in your arm which is then sent off to a laboratory for testing – this can involve you waiting for up to one week to get your result.
In order to get a result that covers any event where you may have risked being exposed to HIV, we advise that you wait a minimum of 6 weeks before you have a conventional blood test. The window period for a Rapid HIV test must be 12 weeks post exposure. Your test facilitator will advise you when to test and also how often you should consider testing.