Schedule a Test

The first thing to remember is that a negative test result does not necessarily mean that you don’t have HIV. That’s because of the window period for certain tests. It’s the time between your last possible HIV exposure and when a test can detect HIV in your body. The rapid tests that Matthew 25 uses usually have a window period of about 18 to 90 days after possible HIV exposure.

Get tested again within 90 days

• If you test again after the window period and have not had a potential HIV exposure between your first and second test, and receive a negative result, you do not have HIV.
• If you have any questions about your negative test result, you can contact our team directly for assistance.

Get tested for HIV at least once a year

If you’ve had any of the following experiences below or regularly do, you may want to consider getting tested at least once a year or more frequently:

• You’re a man who has had sex with another man.
• You’ve had anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV.
• You’ve had more than one sex partner since your last HIV test.
• You’ve shared needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment (for example, cookers).
• You’ve exchanged sex for drugs or money.
• You’ve been diagnosed with or treated for another sexually transmitted infection.
• You’ve been diagnosed with or treated for hepatitis or tuberculosis (TB).
• You’ve had sex with someone who has done anything listed above or with someone whose sexual history you don’t know.

Reduce your chance of HIV through sex by 99% with PrEP

• PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is an HIV prevention medicine that can be only by taken by HIV negative individuals. When taken as prescribed it is highly at preventing HIV through sex. Learn more about PrEP and if it’s right for you.

A positive test result can leave you breathless. Take a moment to process the results and if you need to talk through the experience, you can text the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or visit CrisisTextLine.org to get immediate mental health support.

Confirm Your Results at a Clinic

If you tested positive at a community testing event or used an at-home testing option, it’s crucial that you verify your test results at a clinic with a HIV confirmatory test. This test will determine if your previous result was a false-positive or not.

Start HIV Treatment

If your clinic test result comes back positive, it’s important that you start care right away. Early detection and treatment of HIV is critical to protecting you and protecting those you love. Start care with Matthew 25 or find a Ryan White clinic near you using HRSA’s tool.

The Importance of Staying in Care

People living with HIV can live long, happy, and healthy lives. However, taking your medicine is a crucial part of that. HIV medicine or ART (antiretroviral therapy) lowers your viral load and can help you achieve and maintain an undetectable status. When someone living with HIV has an undetectable viral load, they cannot pass HIV to their partners.

HIV Care and Support

Having access to care and support is a critical component for someone living with HIV. Matthew 25 provides patients with comprehensive support through access to mental health services, support groups (both virtual and in-person), and dedicated case managers.

HIV Treatment Doesn’t Have to Be Costly

Thanks to programs like the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) and the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), HIV care can be very accessible – often times patients who are eligible for these programs pay little to no cost out of pocket for their HIV care. Additionally, Ryan White clinics, like Matthew 25, often have case managers and other staff that will help you navigate getting your medications and the costs.