How much does an HIV test cost?
How much does an HIV test cost?
$0 – $220 average cost
$100 – $400+ average cost (RNA test)
Average HIV test cost
An HIV test costs $0 to $220 in the U.S., depending on the type of HIV test and testing provider. Many clinics and at-home testing services offer free or low-cost HIV testing, while specialty lab-based tests or rapid options may raise the price.
| HIV test type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Rapid HIV test (antibody) | $0 – $100 |
| Antigen/antibody lab test | $50 – $220 |
| Nucleic acid test (NAT/RNA) | $100 – $400+ |
| At-home HIV test kit | $40 – $150 |
Rapid HIV test
Rapid HIV antibody tests cost $0 to $100 per test in most U.S. clinics and pharmacies. These tests provide results in as little as 20 minutes via a finger-prick blood sample or oral swab. Rapid antibody tests primarily detect the body’s immune response to HIV and are best for initial screening.
Oral swab options, such as the FDA-approved OraQuick kit, fall on the lower end of the price range. While fast and accessible, rapid antibody-only tests may miss very recent infections and often require confirmatory testing.
Antigen / antibody lab test
HIV antigen/antibody lab tests cost $50 to $220 per test. Lab-based tests (often called 4th generation) detect both antibodies and the p24 antigen, a viral protein present early in infection. These tests are more sensitive during the initial weeks after exposure and are recommended for routine checkups and early diagnosis.
Clinic prices may vary by location and insurance coverage, but the test detects HIV at all stages, including its progression to AIDS.
Nucleic acid test
Nucleic acid tests (NAT)—also called HIV RNA tests—cost $100 to $400+ in clinics and specialized labs. This type directly detects the genetic material of the virus and can identify HIV within 10 to 33 days after exposure, much sooner than antibody or antigen-only tests.
NATs are used when acute infection is suspected and for confirmation of inconclusive results from other HIV tests. These advanced tests are often more expensive, may not be available in every clinic, and are not typically part of routine screening.
At-home HIV test kit
At-home HIV test kits are priced from $40 to $150 depending on test type and brand. Oral swab kits are the most budget-friendly option. Blood-based kits cost more, with options for single-use or subscription plans.
At-home kits offer privacy, convenience, and direct-to-lab shipping. FDA-authorized kits screen for both HIV-1 and HIV-2 and are suitable for general screening. However, you should still get a follow-up test at a medical facility if you receive positive results.
What is an HIV test?
An HIV test is a medical test that checks blood, saliva, or urine for signs of HIV infection, most commonly by detecting HIV antibodies, antigens, or viral RNA. This test helps diagnose HIV and enables early treatment and prevention of transmission.
Standard HIV testing also indicates whether AIDS is present because doctors diagnose AIDS based on a combination of positive HIV status, symptoms, and low CD4 cell counts. HIV testing procedures will detect infection whether or not it has progressed to AIDS.
HIV test price factors
The following factors affect the HIV/AIDS test cost:
Test type: Standard antibody and antigen/antibody tests typically cost less, while RNA or NAT tests and bundled STD screenings come with a higher price.
Testing location: Clinics, hospitals, and specialized labs may charge administrative fees, while at-home test kits include shipping or telehealth processing.
Insurance coverage: Many insurance plans, Medicaid, and some public assistance programs cover the full HIV AIDS test cost, but self-pay and copays will affect your amount due.
Clinic programs: Community health centers often provide sliding-scale fees, free events, or promotions for routine HIV screening.
Bundled services: Some HIV tests are included with full STD panels at discounted rates. STD testing costs $30 to $185 for a specific STD or $125 to $400 for a multi-test panel.
FAQs about HIV testing
How soon can HIV be detected by a blood test?
Most modern HIV tests can detect infection within 2 to 6 weeks after exposure, but exact detection times depend on the type of test used and the body's immune response.
Where can you get tested for HIV or AIDS?
You can get tested for HIV or AIDS at many locations across the U.S., including health clinics, community health centers, STD or sexual health clinics, your local health department, Planned Parenthood centers, VA medical centers, some pharmacies, and community organizations.
Free or low-cost options are widely available, especially at public health departments and some nonprofit agencies.
Are at-home HIV tests as accurate as clinic tests?
When used properly, FDA-approved at-home HIV test kits are highly accurate for detecting established HIV infections. Positive at-home results should always be followed by confirmatory testing at a clinic.
Can I get tested for HIV anonymously?
Yes. Many clinics and some at-home test providers offer anonymous HIV testing, meaning identifying information is not connected to your results.
Do I need an appointment for an HIV test?
You do not always need an appointment for an HIV test. Many walk-in clinics and pharmacies offer HIV testing without appointments, while online or mail-in kits can be ordered anytime.
Who should get tested for HIV?
Anyone who is sexually active, has shared injection equipment, or has had a possible exposure should consider routine HIV testing as recommended by health organizations. Routine testing is key to prevention and early treatment.
Choosing an HIV test provider
Choosing a reliable provider ensures accurate results and confidentiality. Consider these tips when searching:
Look for clinics or pharmacies certified to perform HIV AIDS tests.
Check online reviews on BetterCare or Google.
Compare turnaround times and available test types.
Ask whether they accept walk-ins or require appointments.
Compare costs and see if free options are available.
Questions to ask a testing provider
Before getting tested, consider asking:
What types of HIV tests do you offer here?
How soon after exposure can your tests detect HIV?
Is my test result confidential or anonymous?
Do you provide counseling or support if my result is positive?
What is the turnaround time for results?
Will I need to pay a fee if my insurance doesn’t cover the test?
Can you test for other STDs at the same time?
How will I receive my results?
Is a follow-up appointment necessary for positive or indeterminate results?
Are your staff trained in sensitive, nonjudgmental care?
The content of this site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or services. The information provided should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of health problems. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional for advice about any medical concerns.