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id="dlb1__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="dlb1" data-ad="true" class="css-1jpwf16"></div></div></aside></div><aside data-testid="mobile-leaderboard" class="css-pdceuf"><div class="css-11egx89"><button class="icon-hl-close-thick css-1pr9u9e"></button><div data-empty="true" class="css-1fteite"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="mlb1__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="mlb1" data-ad="true" class="css-bcus5s"></div></div></div></aside><div data-placement="subheader"></div><div><div class="css-m260rd"><div data-article-body="0" class="css-1h1rean css-1kdolwm"><div class="css-z468a2"><h1>What to expect from HIV screening</h1><div data-preamp="social-proof-lessons"></div><div data-testid="byline"><section data-testid="byline" class="css-1r4r6jy"><div class="css-1q67gt9"><div class="css-1edxg1f"><img src="//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/03/Megan_Soliman_500x500_Med_Reviewer_Photos_v2.png?w=105&h=105" alt=""/></div></div><div><span><span><a class="css-90fpmc css-ro87dg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Medically reviewed</a> by <a class="css-90fpmc css-ro87dg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Megan Soliman, MD</a></span></span> — <span><span><span><span>Written by <span>Lauren Martin</span></span></span></span></span> <span> on April 29, 2021</span></div></section></div><div><nav class="css-wp9hsz" id="tab-bar-0" data-testid="tab-bar"><ul class="css-wy0i0w"><li class="css-gc7rbi"><a href="#hiv-screenings" class="css-1qfr3bt">HIV screenings</a></li><li class="css-gc7rbi"><a href="#types" class="css-1qfr3bt">Types</a></li><li class="css-gc7rbi"><a href="#why-is-it-important" class="css-1qfr3bt">Why is it important?</a></li><li class="css-gc7rbi"><a href="#who-needs-hiv-screening" class="css-1qfr3bt">Who needs HIV screening?</a></li><li class="css-gc7rbi"><a href="#getting-hiv-screening" class="css-1qfr3bt">Getting HIV screening</a></li><li class="css-gc7rbi"><a href="#results" class="css-1qfr3bt">Results</a></li><li class="css-gc7rbi"><a href="#summary" class="css-1qfr3bt">Summary</a></li></ul></nav><article class="article-body css-d2znx6 undefined"><div data-testid="tabbed-article-section" class="css-12va8w7"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><div><p class="css-4aeg3z">When a person goes for an HIV screening, they will give a blood or saliva sample for analysis. There are three main types of HIV tests healthcare professionals use. These are nucleic acid tests (NATs), antigen/antibody tests, and antibody tests.</p></div></div><div><p>No test can detect HIV <hl-trusted-source source="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)" rationale="Governmental authority"><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">immediately</a></hl-trusted-source> after transmission.</p></div><div><div data-preamp="serena-chatbot"></div></div><div><p>If a person is worried about having contracted HIV and thinks this may have happened within 72 hours, they can request <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/prep-for-hiv#vs-pep" class="content-link css-90fpmc">post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)</a>. This medicine is <hl-trusted-source source="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)" rationale="Governmental authority"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/pep/about-pep.html" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">very effective</a></hl-trusted-source> at preventing HIV as long as a person takes it within 3 days of exposure.</p></div><div><p>Keep reading to learn more about the different types of HIV screening tests, why it is important to get tested, and what to expect following testing.</p></div><div class="css-20w1gi"><aside class="css-0 css-0" data-testid="sticky-inline-ad" data-sticky="false"><div><div data-empty="true" class="css-1sq15os"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="inline2__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="inline2__slot" data-ad="true" class="css-1t05dkn"></div></div></div></aside></div></div><div data-testid="tabbed-article-section" class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="hiv-screenings">What is an HIV screening?</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><div><figure class="css-yhe8zq"><span class="css-rwmw5v"><span class="css-mjp0j9"><picture class="css-16pk1is"><source srcSet="//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/HIV_screening_GettyImages1249065504_Header-1024x575.jpg?w=1575 750w" media="(min-width: 1190px)"/><source srcSet="//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/HIV_screening_GettyImages1249065504_Header-1024x575.jpg?w=1575 750w" media="(min-width: 990px)"/><source srcSet="//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/HIV_screening_GettyImages1249065504_Header-1024x575.jpg?w=1845 879w" media="(min-width: 768px)"/><img src="//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/HIV_screening_GettyImages1249065504_Header-1024x575.jpg?w=1155&h=1528" alt="HIV screening taking place." class="css-1jytyml"/></picture></span><hl-share-overlay class="css-1mqo1cs"><a class="css-90fpmc icon-hl-pinterest css-by55vd" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" data-event="Any Page|Image Pinterest Click|Icon Clicked" data-element-event="OPEN|CONTENTBLOCK|Any Page|Article Body|BUTTON|Image Widget Pinterest Click|" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2Fhiv-screenings&media=https%3A%2F%2Fpost.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2F2021%2F04%2FHIV_screening_GettyImages1249065504_Header-1024x575.jpg&description=HIV%20screenings%3A%20Guidelines%2C%20types%2C%20and%20more" title="Share on Pinterest" data-pin-custom="true" data-share-url="https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/HIV_screening_GettyImages1249065504_Header-1024x575.jpg"><span class="css-z1zfa">Share on Pinterest</span></a></hl-share-overlay></span><figcaption class="css-13b3g0x">Microgen Images/Science Photo Library/Getty Images</figcaption></figure></div></div><div><p>HIV screening is the process of checking for the presence of HIV in the blood or other bodily fluids, such as saliva.</p></div><div><p>The screening can take place in a variety of settings, including a doctor’s office, a sexual health clinic, a community outreach center, and <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/at-home-hiv-tests" class="content-link css-90fpmc">at home</a>.</p></div><div><p>If a person is using a rapid test at home or an outreach center, they <hl-trusted-source source="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)" rationale="Governmental authority"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">should arrange</a></hl-trusted-source> a laboratory test to confirm the result. This means they will need to go to a doctor’s office or laboratory where a healthcare professional will draw blood from their arm.</p></div><div><p>If a person’s initial test was a laboratory test, a doctor will usually order a second screening.</p></div></div><div data-testid="tabbed-article-section" class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="types">Types of HIV screening tests</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>If a person wants to <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316316" class="content-link css-90fpmc">screen for HIV at home</a>, they <hl-trusted-source source="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)" rationale="Governmental authority"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/hiv-self-tests.html" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">can use</a></hl-trusted-source> rapid self-tests or mail-in self-tests. These usually produce results within <hl-trusted-source source="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)" rationale="Governmental authority"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/test-types.html" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">20–30 minutes</a></hl-trusted-source>.</p></div><div><p>Some at-home testing kits require a person to swab around the gums, whereas others require a small amount of blood from a finger prick.</p></div><div><p>If a person is using a finger prick kit at home, they will need to mail the blood sample for analysis. An oral fluid test kit produces the result on-site.</p></div><div><p><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316316" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Learn more about home HIV test kits here.</a></p></div><div><p>A person should always follow up a rapid test with a laboratory test that draws blood from the arm, to double-check the initial result.</p></div><div><h3>NATs</h3></div><div><p>NATs are the fastest laboratory test available.</p></div><div><p>In addition to detecting the actual virus, they can also indicate the <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323851" class="content-link css-90fpmc">viral load</a>, which is the amount of the virus present in a person’s blood.</p></div><div><p>This type of test is not routine and is expensive. Doctors will only request a NAT if a person has very recently come into contact with HIV and is presenting with <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315928#early-symptoms" class="content-link css-90fpmc">early symptoms</a>. A person cannot do this test at home.</p></div><div><h3>Antigen/antibody test</h3></div><div><p>Antigen/antibody tests detect both HIV antigens and the antibodies that the <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320101" class="content-link css-90fpmc">immune system</a> produces in response to the virus.</p></div><div><p>The HIV antigen is p24 and circulates throughout the body before the immune system produces antibodies.</p></div><div><p>This type of test is common in the United States. A person can also get an antigen/antibody test as a rapid testing kit, where they only need to prick their finger for the blood sample.</p></div><div><p>However, rapid testing kits <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-testing/learn-about-hiv-testing/hiv-testing-overview" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">may take</a> longer to detect HIV — from 18 to 90 days after exposure — compared with laboratory tests that use blood from the arm, which can take 18–45 days after exposure.</p></div><div><h3>HIV antibody tests</h3></div><div><p>When a person’s immune system detects HIV, it begins to create antibodies to destroy the virus. Home rapid testing kits using either oral fluids or blood from a finger prick detect HIV antibodies.</p></div><div><p>That said, rapid testing kits <hl-trusted-source source="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)" rationale="Governmental authority"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">detect HIV later</a></hl-trusted-source> than those that use blood from the arm. Therefore, a person with more recent exposure to HIV may want to take an antibody test at a doctor’s office or laboratory.</p></div><div><p><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/rapid-hiv-test" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Learn more about rapid HIV tests here.</a></p></div><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div data-testid="tabbed-article-section" class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="why-is-it-important">Why is screening for HIV important?</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>The <hl-trusted-source source="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)" rationale="Governmental authority"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a></hl-trusted-source> state that screening for HIV is of paramount importance, as 161, 800 people in the United States do not know they have HIV.</p></div><div><p>Moreover, up to 40% of new HIV cases occur because people are unaware that they are living with the virus.</p></div><div><p>The sooner a person knows they have HIV, the earlier they can receive treatment. This in turn could halt the virus’s progression into <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/17131" class="content-link css-90fpmc">AIDS</a> and eliminate transmission.</p></div><div><p><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316019" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Learn more about the differences between HIV and AIDS here.</a></p></div></div><div data-testid="tabbed-article-section" class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="who-needs-hiv-screening">Who should receive screening for HIV?</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>Anyone aged <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-testing/learn-about-hiv-testing/who-should-get-tested" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">13–64</a> years should receive screening for HIV at least once in their lives. If a person feels they engage in behavior that puts them at a higher risk, they should request screening more often.</p></div><div><p>A person should consider their risk if they are:</p></div><div><ul><li>having sex with a partner who has HIV</li><li>male and having sex with other males</li><li>having sex with someone whose sexual history is unknown</li><li>sharing needles with other people</li><li>living with <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145869" class="content-link css-90fpmc">hepatitis</a> or <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8856" class="content-link css-90fpmc">tuberculosis</a></li><li>receiving treatment for a <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sexually-transmitted-diseases" class="content-link css-90fpmc">sexually transmitted infection</a></li></ul></div><div class="css-20w1gi"><aside class="css-0 css-0" data-testid="sticky-inline-ad" data-sticky="false"><div><div data-empty="true" class="css-1sq15os"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="inline11__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="inline11__slot" data-ad="true" class="css-1t05dkn"></div></div></div></aside></div></div><div data-testid="tabbed-article-section" class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="getting-hiv-screening">Getting HIV screening</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>There are several ways a person can get HIV screening. These include:</p></div><div><ul><li>asking a doctor for a test</li><li>requesting a rapid self-test online</li><li>buying a rapid self-test at a pharmacy</li><li>visiting a community outreach center or sexual health clinic</li></ul></div><div><p>A person can also use this <hl-trusted-source source="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)" rationale="Governmental authority"><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/finding-tests.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">HIV service locator</a></hl-trusted-source>.</p></div></div><div data-testid="tabbed-article-section" class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="results">Getting results and next steps</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>If a person receives an initial negative HIV result from an antibody test, they <hl-trusted-source source="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)" rationale="Governmental authority"><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/negative-hiv-results.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">may still have</a></hl-trusted-source> HIV.</p></div><div><p>Sometimes, HIV antibodies take a while to present, which experts refer to as a window period. That is why additional testing is often necessary.</p></div><div><p>If the result comes back negative after the window period, a doctor is sure the person does not have HIV.</p></div><div><p>However, a person should still practice sex with a condom or other barrier method to ensure they do not contract HIV in the future.</p></div><div><p>A doctor <hl-trusted-source source="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)" rationale="Governmental authority"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/positive-hiv-results.html" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">will confirm</a></hl-trusted-source> a positive HIV status after receiving follow-up laboratory test results. Shortly after a person receives an HIV diagnosis, they must start <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323897" class="content-link css-90fpmc">antiretroviral therapy (ART)</a>.</p></div><div><p>If a doctor treats HIV quickly, the amount of virus in a person’s body may fall to undetectable levels. This means that they can stay healthy for many years and that the virus cannot transmit to other people.</p></div><div><p>It is important a person seeks out a counselor or <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mental-health-professionals" class="content-link css-90fpmc">mental health professional</a> if the positive diagnosis is impacting their well-being.</p></div><div id="hl-incontent-video-ad" data-adbridg-ad-class="hl-incontent" class="css-pp6cpn"></div><div id="div-gpt-ad-out-of-page"></div></div><div data-testid="tabbed-article-section" class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="summary">Summary</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>HIV screenings are important. The sooner a person receives a diagnosis, the earlier they can begin ART.</p></div><div><p>If a doctor is able to treat HIV promptly, the virus may fall to an undetectable level. This means that a person can live a full and active life despite the HIV diagnosis and that the virus cannot transmit to anyone else.</p></div><div><p>A person can get an HIV test in many locations, such as a sexual health clinic, doctor’s office, or laboratory. They can also request a rapid testing kit they can use at home.</p></div></div></article><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><p data-testid="last-medically-reviewed" class="css-1kir5of"><span> </span></p><div class="css-5b5f7q"><ul><li itemProp="genre"><a class="css-90fpmc" data-event="Navigation|article tag click|Public Health" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/public-health">Public Health</a></li><li itemProp="genre"><a class="css-90fpmc" data-event="Navigation|article tag click|HIV and AIDS" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/hiv-aids">HIV and AIDS</a></li><li itemProp="genre"><a class="css-90fpmc" data-event="Navigation|article tag click|Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/infectious_diseases">Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses</a></li></ul></div><div><div class="css-140fa3i"><div class="css-15lc7zf"><h3 id="bylineArticleTools">How we reviewed this article:</h3><div class="css-1g9ioi4"><button type="button" class="css-kxscys"><div class="css-rre5oz"><span class="css-1d75hb8"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 20 20"><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M0 10C0 4.477 4.477 0 10 0s10 4.477 10 10-4.477 10-10 10S0 15.523 0 10Zm18.5 0a8.5 8.5 0 1 0-17 0 8.5 8.5 0 0 0 17 0ZM10 4c-.823 0-1.5.677-1.5 1.518C8.5 6.323 9.177 7 10 7c.841 0 1.5-.677 1.5-1.482A1.5 1.5 0 0 0 10 4Zm0 4.5a1 1 0 0 1 1 1V15a1 1 0 1 1-2 0V9.5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1Z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg></span><span>Sources</span></div></button></div><div class="css-une8nx"><div class="css-1xn3edc css-1rkrrlx"><div id="article-resources" role="region" class="css-1ugaz02"><div class="css-0">Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our <a class="css-90fpmc" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/process">editorial policy</a>.</div><ul class="css-1vedeqe"><li class="css-1ti7iub"><cite><span>HIV basics. (2021).</span><br/><a class="css-90fpmc css-1ivue52" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html">https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html</a></cite></li><li class="css-1ti7iub"><cite><span>HIV basics. (n.d.).</span><br/><a class="css-90fpmc css-1ivue52" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics">https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics</a></cite></li><li class="css-1ti7iub"><cite><span>HIV testing. (2020).</span><br/><a class="css-90fpmc css-1ivue52" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html">https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html</a></cite></li></ul></div></div></div></div><div class="css-2wv3mf" data-testid="share-tools"><p>Share this article</p><div class="css-14uyzrw"><div class="button-wrapper print"><a class="css-xqmvw1 print button icon icon-hl-print" target="_blank" title="Print this page"></a></div><div class="button-wrapper email"><a class="css-xqmvw1 email button icon icon-hl-email" target="_blank" title="Email this page"></a></div><div class="button-wrapper facebook"><a class="css-xqmvw1 facebook button icon icon-hl-facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2Fhiv-screenings%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook%26utm_campaign%3Dsocial-sharebar-referred-desktop" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank" title="Share on 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interactions"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-stribild-dosage","title":"Stribild dosage"},{"url":"/articles/mnt-investigates-hiv-care-in-black-and-latino-communities","title":"Inequities in HIV care"}]},"pathingTilesData":{},"pathingCardsData":{},"inArticlePathingCardsData":[],"quantitativeTrustData":{},"isPrependRecipeH2":false,"recipes":[],"hideTabs":false,"tabs":[{"id":"_noHeaderPrefixedContent","title":null,"header":null,"body":[{"tagName":"div","source":"\u003cp class=\"css-4aeg3z\"\u003eWhen a person goes for an HIV screening, they will give a blood or saliva sample for analysis. There are three main types of HIV tests healthcare professionals use. These are nucleic acid tests (NATs), antigen/antibody tests, and antibody tests.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"No test can detect HIV \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\" rationale=\"Governmental authority\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eimmediately\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e after transmission."},{"tagName":"div","attributes":{"data-preamp":"serena-chatbot"},"source":""},{"tagName":"p","source":"If a person is worried about having contracted HIV and thinks this may have happened within 72 hours, they can request \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/prep-for-hiv#vs-pep\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003epost-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)\u003c/a\u003e. This medicine is \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\" rationale=\"Governmental authority\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/pep/about-pep.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003every effective\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e at preventing HIV as long as a person takes it within 3 days of exposure."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Keep reading to learn more about the different types of HIV screening tests, why it is important to get tested, and what to expect following testing."}]},{"id":"hiv-screenings","title":"HIV screenings","isCollapsable":false,"header":["What is an HIV screening?"],"body":[{"tagName":"div","source":"\u003cfigure class=\"css-yhe8zq\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"css-rwmw5v\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"css-mjp0j9\"\u003e\u003cpicture class=\"css-16pk1is\"\u003e\u003csource srcSet=\"//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/HIV_screening_GettyImages1249065504_Header-1024x575.jpg?w=1575 750w\" media=\"(min-width: 1190px)\"/\u003e\u003csource srcSet=\"//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/HIV_screening_GettyImages1249065504_Header-1024x575.jpg?w=1575 750w\" media=\"(min-width: 990px)\"/\u003e\u003csource srcSet=\"//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/HIV_screening_GettyImages1249065504_Header-1024x575.jpg?w=1845 879w\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\"/\u003e\u003cimg src=\"//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/HIV_screening_GettyImages1249065504_Header-1024x575.jpg?w=1155\u0026h=1528\" alt=\"HIV screening taking place.\" class=\"css-1jytyml\"/\u003e\u003c/picture\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003chl-share-overlay class=\"css-1mqo1cs\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"css-90fpmc icon-hl-pinterest css-by55vd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" data-event=\"Any Page|Image Pinterest Click|Icon Clicked\" data-element-event=\"OPEN|CONTENTBLOCK|Any Page|Article Body|BUTTON|Image Widget Pinterest Click|\" href=\"https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2Fhiv-screenings\u0026media=https%3A%2F%2Fpost.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2F2021%2F04%2FHIV_screening_GettyImages1249065504_Header-1024x575.jpg\u0026description=HIV%20screenings%3A%20Guidelines%2C%20types%2C%20and%20more\" title=\"Share on Pinterest\" data-pin-custom=\"true\" data-share-url=\"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/HIV_screening_GettyImages1249065504_Header-1024x575.jpg\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"css-z1zfa\"\u003eShare on Pinterest\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-share-overlay\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"css-13b3g0x\"\u003eMicrogen Images/Science Photo Library/Getty Images\u003c/figcaption\u003e\u003c/figure\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"HIV screening is the process of checking for the presence of HIV in the blood or other bodily fluids, such as saliva."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The screening can take place in a variety of settings, including a doctor’s office, a sexual health clinic, a community outreach center, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/at-home-hiv-tests\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eat home\u003c/a\u003e."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If a person is using a rapid test at home or an outreach center, they \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\" rationale=\"Governmental authority\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eshould arrange\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e a laboratory test to confirm the result. This means they will need to go to a doctor’s office or laboratory where a healthcare professional will draw blood from their arm."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If a person’s initial test was a laboratory test, a doctor will usually order a second screening."}]},{"id":"types","title":"Types","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Types of HIV screening tests"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"If a person wants to \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316316\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003escreen for HIV at home\u003c/a\u003e, they \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\" rationale=\"Governmental authority\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/hiv-self-tests.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ecan use\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e rapid self-tests or mail-in self-tests. These usually produce results within \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\" rationale=\"Governmental authority\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/test-types.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003e20–30 minutes\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Some at-home testing kits require a person to swab around the gums, whereas others require a small amount of blood from a finger prick."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If a person is using a finger prick kit at home, they will need to mail the blood sample for analysis. An oral fluid test kit produces the result on-site."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316316\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eLearn more about home HIV test kits here.\u003c/a\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"A person should always follow up a rapid test with a laboratory test that draws blood from the arm, to double-check the initial result."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"NATs"},{"tagName":"p","source":"NATs are the fastest laboratory test available."},{"tagName":"p","source":"In addition to detecting the actual virus, they can also indicate the \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323851\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eviral load\u003c/a\u003e, which is the amount of the virus present in a person’s blood."},{"tagName":"p","source":"This type of test is not routine and is expensive. Doctors will only request a NAT if a person has very recently come into contact with HIV and is presenting with \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315928#early-symptoms\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eearly symptoms\u003c/a\u003e. A person cannot do this test at home."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Antigen/antibody test"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Antigen/antibody tests detect both HIV antigens and the antibodies that the \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320101\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eimmune system\u003c/a\u003e produces in response to the virus."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The HIV antigen is p24 and circulates throughout the body before the immune system produces antibodies."},{"tagName":"p","source":"This type of test is common in the United States. A person can also get an antigen/antibody test as a rapid testing kit, where they only need to prick their finger for the blood sample."},{"tagName":"p","source":"However, rapid testing kits \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-testing/learn-about-hiv-testing/hiv-testing-overview\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003emay take\u003c/a\u003e longer to detect HIV — from 18 to 90 days after exposure — compared with laboratory tests that use blood from the arm, which can take 18–45 days after exposure."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"HIV antibody tests"},{"tagName":"p","source":"When a person’s immune system detects HIV, it begins to create antibodies to destroy the virus. Home rapid testing kits using either oral fluids or blood from a finger prick detect HIV antibodies."},{"tagName":"p","source":"That said, rapid testing kits \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\" rationale=\"Governmental authority\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003edetect HIV later\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e than those that use blood from the arm. Therefore, a person with more recent exposure to HIV may want to take an antibody test at a doctor’s office or laboratory."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/rapid-hiv-test\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eLearn more about rapid HIV tests here.\u003c/a\u003e"}]},{"id":"why-is-it-important","title":"Why is it important?","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Why is screening for HIV important?"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"The \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\" rationale=\"Governmental authority\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e state that screening for HIV is of paramount importance, as 161, 800 people in the United States do not know they have HIV."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Moreover, up to 40% of new HIV cases occur because people are unaware that they are living with the virus."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The sooner a person knows they have HIV, the earlier they can receive treatment. This in turn could halt the virus’s progression into \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/17131\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eAIDS\u003c/a\u003e and eliminate transmission."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316019\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eLearn more about the differences between HIV and AIDS here.\u003c/a\u003e"}]},{"id":"who-needs-hiv-screening","title":"Who needs HIV screening?","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Who should receive screening for HIV?"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Anyone aged \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-testing/learn-about-hiv-testing/who-should-get-tested\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003e13–64\u003c/a\u003e years should receive screening for HIV at least once in their lives. If a person feels they engage in behavior that puts them at a higher risk, they should request screening more often."},{"tagName":"p","source":"A person should consider their risk if they are:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003ehaving sex with a partner who has HIV\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003emale and having sex with other males\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ehaving sex with someone whose sexual history is unknown\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003esharing needles with other people\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eliving with \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145869\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehepatitis\u003c/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8856\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003etuberculosis\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ereceiving treatment for a \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sexually-transmitted-diseases\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003esexually transmitted infection\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e"}]},{"id":"getting-hiv-screening","title":"Getting HIV screening","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Getting HIV screening"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"There are several ways a person can get HIV screening. These include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003easking a doctor for a test\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003erequesting a rapid self-test online\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ebuying a rapid self-test at a pharmacy\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003evisiting a community outreach center or sexual health clinic\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"A person can also use this \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\" rationale=\"Governmental authority\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/finding-tests.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eHIV service locator\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e."}]},{"id":"results","title":"Results","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Getting results and next steps"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"If a person receives an initial negative HIV result from an antibody test, they \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\" rationale=\"Governmental authority\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/negative-hiv-results.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003emay still have\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e HIV."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Sometimes, HIV antibodies take a while to present, which experts refer to as a window period. That is why additional testing is often necessary."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If the result comes back negative after the window period, a doctor is sure the person does not have HIV."},{"tagName":"p","source":"However, a person should still practice sex with a condom or other barrier method to ensure they do not contract HIV in the future."},{"tagName":"p","source":"A doctor \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\" rationale=\"Governmental authority\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/positive-hiv-results.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ewill confirm\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e a positive HIV status after receiving follow-up laboratory test results. Shortly after a person receives an HIV diagnosis, they must start \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323897\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eantiretroviral therapy (ART)\u003c/a\u003e."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If a doctor treats HIV quickly, the amount of virus in a person’s body may fall to undetectable levels. This means that they can stay healthy for many years and that the virus cannot transmit to other people."},{"tagName":"p","source":"It is important a person seeks out a counselor or \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mental-health-professionals\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003emental health professional\u003c/a\u003e if the positive diagnosis is impacting their well-being."}]},{"id":"summary","title":"Summary","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Summary"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"HIV screenings are important. The sooner a person receives a diagnosis, the earlier they can begin ART."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If a doctor is able to treat HIV promptly, the virus may fall to an undetectable level. This means that a person can live a full and active life despite the HIV diagnosis and that the virus cannot transmit to anyone else."},{"tagName":"p","source":"A person can get an HIV test in many locations, such as a sexual health clinic, doctor’s office, or laboratory. They can also request a rapid testing kit they can use at home."}]}],"hasAffiliateLinks":false,"affiliates":[],"isDisclaimer":false,"isOwnedAndOperatedPresent":false,"propsFor":{"articleResources":[{"displayLink":"cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html","link":"https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"HIV basics. (2021)."}},{"displayLink":"hiv.gov/hiv-basics","link":"https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"HIV basics. (n.d.)."}},{"displayLink":"cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html","link":"https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"HIV testing. (2020)."}}],"byline":{"authors":[{"id":2965,"name":{"display":"Lauren Martin","first":"Lauren","last":"Martin"},"type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":""},"avatar":{"title":"","src":""}}],"medicalReviewers":[{"id":5097,"name":{"display":"Megan Soliman, MD","first":"Megan","last":"Soliman, MD"},"userLogin":"msoliman","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/reviewers/megan-soliman-md","type":{"value":"medical_reviewer","label":"Medical Advisor"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eDr. Megan Soliman is an\u003c/span\u003e \u003ca href=\"https://www.abms.org/board-certification/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eABMS board certified\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e internal medicine physician whose main focus in her clinical practice is patient advocacy. Her research interests include adverse effects of medications and herbal supplements. Dr. Soliman is enthusiastic about \u0026#8220;bread and butter\u0026#8221; medicine, which includes treating patients with the most common diseases. She also has a passion for reaching underserved communities, including both U.S. and international rural communities.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eSaba University School of Medicine, MD, MSc\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eUniversity of Nevada, Reno, BS in Neuroscience\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertifications\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eAmerican Board of Internal Medicine \u0026#8211; Internal Medicine\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfessional Accomplishments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eCompleted internship and residency at Rochester General Hospital\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eWork has appeared in several publications\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/03/Megan_Soliman_500x500_Med_Reviewer_Photos_v2.png"}}],"id":"mnt-860923","updateReason":[],"editor":"Maté Jarai","factCheckedBy":"","factCheckers":[],"articleHistory":{"2021-04-29":{"updateReason":[],"authors":"Lauren Martin","editor":"Maté Jarai","copyEditor":"Malgorzata Pachol","medicallyReviewedBy":"Megan Soliman, MD"}},"articleDates":{"factChecked":{"date":null,"display":""},"medicallyReviewed":{"date":1619658000,"display":"April 29, 2021"},"published":{"date":1619658000,"display":"April 29, 2021"},"lastUpdates":{"date":1619658000,"display":"April 29, 2021"},"modified":{"date":1627642107,"display":"July 30, 2021"}},"type":"healthfeature","language":"en"},"readNext":{"items":[{"title":["What to know about HIV encephalopathy"],"text":["HIV encephalopathy is a potential complication of HIV that results from inflammation of the brain. Antiretroviral therapy may prevent the condition or…"],"link":"/articles/hiv-encephalopathy","imageAlt":"What to know about HIV encephalopathy","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/HIV_encephalopathy_GettyImages1199813214_Thumb.jpg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Cameron White, M.D., MPH","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Cameron-White-MD-MPH-Mary-Morrison_edit.png","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""},"specialties":[]},"isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":2878,"name":{"display":"Mary West","first":"Mary","last":"West"},"userLogin":"mwest","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/mary-west","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eMary West is a freelance writer based in Louisiana. Her work has appeared in various publications, including Medical News Today, Small Business Today Magazine, and Livestrong. She holds two bachelor’s degrees in health-related fields from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","src":""}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["What to know about HIV false-positives"],"text":["A false-positive HIV test occurs when a test incorrectly indicates that a person has contracted the virus. Learn more about the reasons for the result…"],"link":"/articles/323986","imageAlt":"What to know about HIV false-positives","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/323986_2200-732x549.jpg","isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":953,"name":{"display":"Jayne Leonard","first":"Jayne","last":"Leonard"},"userLogin":"jayneleonard","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/jayne-leonard","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eJayne is a qualified counselor and psychotherapist, and she holds a diploma in nutritional therapy. At present, she is completing a master\u0026#8217;s degree in counselling and psychotherapy. She is passionate about the influence of diet and lifestyle on mental health and well-being. Through her work in both private and not-for-profit settings, she hopes to empower others to take charge of their lives and improve their physical and mental health.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/500x500_Jayne_Leonard.png"}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["What to know about rapid, at-home HIV tests"],"text":["Anyone who may have HIV should contact a doctor. An at-home, rapid test can help reduce uncertainty while a person waits for their appointment. Learn…"],"link":"/articles/rapid-hiv-test","imageAlt":"What to know about rapid, at-home HIV tests","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/01/1569224-___1900-MR-MARKET-CLONE___-What-to-know-about-rapid-at-home-HIV-tests-732x549-Feature-732x549.jpg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/01/AV-scaled.jpeg","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""}},"isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":1559,"name":{"display":"Mathieu Rees","first":"Mathieu","last":"Rees"},"userLogin":"mrees","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":""},"avatar":{"title":"","src":""}},{"id":5029,"name":{"display":"Kristina Iavarone","first":"Kristina","last":"Iavarone"},"userLogin":"kgalea","links":{"website":"https://kristinagalea.com/","facebook":"","linkedin":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinaiavarone/","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/kristinaiavarone","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eKristina is a freelance writer and translator who creates content for the English, Maltese and Spanish markets. 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