What happens during an HIV test?You will either get a blood test in a lab, or do your own test at home.For a blood test in a lab:A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.For at home test, you will need to get a sample of saliva from your mouth or a drop of blood from your fingertip.The test kit will provide instructions on how to get your sample, package it, and send it to a lab.For a saliva test, you will use special spatula-like tool to take a swab from your mouth.For a fingertip antibody blood test, you will use a special tool to prick your finger and collect a sample of blood.For more information on at-home testing, talk to your health care provider.
