Types of test

A number of different testing techniques are available and will be used in different circumstances. As well as laboratory-based third and fourth generation tests, there are rapid, point-of-care tests, HIV RNA assays and a range of confirmatory testing techniques. The following pages provide detailed information on all of them, including studies assessing their accuracy.

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.