Select the STD test or panel that’s right for you. No doctor’s referral needed. Call (866) 566-8711 for personalized assistance.
Stop by one of our 4,500+ testing centers. Most visits take less than 15 minutes.
Access your results securely online, typically within 1-2 days. If you test positive treatment can be prescribed.
Earliest Possible HIV Detection
Our HIV RNA Early Detection Test provides the fastest, most advanced screening for HIV available. This specialized test directly detects the genetic material of the virus as early as 9-11 days after potential exposure, significantly earlier than standard HIV antibody tests.
Advanced blood test with results in 3-5 days.
To order your test now, call (866) 566-8711 or order online.
About Our HIV RNA Early Detection Test
Test Method
Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) – Most advanced HIV detection method
Detects viral RNA directly rather than antibodies or antigens
FDA-approved testing methodology
Highly sensitive – Can detect very small amounts of virus
Earliest possible detection of any HIV test currently available
What it Tests For
HIV-1 RNA – The genetic material of the most common type of HIV
Directly detects the virus itself, not the body’s response to it
Quantifies viral load if present
Detectable as early as 9-11 days after potential exposure
Sample Collection
Standard blood draw (about 1 teaspoon)
No fasting or special preparation required
Sample collection takes less than 5 minutes
Can be taken any time of day
Results Timeline
Results typically available in 3-5 business days
Access results securely online through your private account
Completely confidential – results are never shared without your permission
Why Choose the HIV RNA Early Detection Test?
Earliest Possible Detection
Standard HIV antibody tests rely on your body developing an immune response to the virus, which takes time. The HIV RNA test directly detects the virus itself, providing results much earlier:
Test Type | Earliest Possible Detection |
HIV RNA Test | 9-11 days after exposure |
4th Gen Antibody/Antigen Test | 18-45 days after exposure |
3rd Gen Antibody-Only Test | 23-90 days after exposure |
Peace of Mind Sooner
After a potential exposure, waiting for the standard window period can cause significant anxiety. Our RNA test can give you answers in days rather than weeks or months.
Earlier Treatment If Positive
If HIV is detected, earlier diagnosis allows for immediate treatment initiation, which has been shown to improve long-term health outcomes and reduce the risk of transmission to others.
Higher Sensitivity During Acute Phase
During the acute phase of HIV infection (first few weeks), viral load is typically very high, making RNA testing particularly effective for early detection.
Who Should Consider the HIV RNA Early Detection Test?
Recent Exposure Concerns
If you’ve had a potential HIV exposure within the past 2-30 days
If you’ve had unprotected sex with a partner of unknown HIV status
If you’ve shared injection equipment
If you’ve experienced a condom break or failure
If you’re a healthcare worker who experienced a needlestick injury
High-Risk Situations
After sexual assault
After potential exposure to blood or body fluids
If your partner has recently tested positive for HIV
If you’re starting PrEP and need to confirm negative status
Peace of Mind
For those who don’t want to wait for standard window periods
Before starting a new relationship
For pregnancy planning
For those with high anxiety about potential exposure
The Testing Process
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1. Order Your Test
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2. Visit Any Testing Center
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3. Quick Blood Draw
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4. Get Your Results
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5. Free Doctor Consultation if Positive
Order online or call (866) 566-8711. Our care advisors can answer any questions and help you complete your order.
With over 4,500 testing locations nationwide, you can find a convenient center near you. No appointment necessary – just walk in with your order number.
The collection process is simple and takes less than 5 minutes. A small blood sample will be drawn from your arm.
Results are typically available within 3-5 business days and can be accessed securely online through your private account.
If you test positive, you’ll receive a free consultation with a licensed physician who can discuss your results and next steps.
Understanding Your Results
Negative Result
- Interpretation: No HIV RNA detected in your blood
- What it means:
- If test was taken at least 9-11 days after potential exposure, you very likely do not have HIV
- The earlier you test after exposure, the higher the chance of a false negative
- Recommended action:
- If tested very early (before 9 days), consider retesting
- Follow up with standard antibody testing at 3 months for definitive results
- Continue practicing safer sex and risk reduction
Positive Result
- Interpretation: HIV RNA detected in your blood
- What it means:
- You are likely infected with HIV
- Confirmatory testing is automatically performed
- Early detection allows for prompt treatment
- Recommended action:
- Consult with our physicians for guidance and support
- Connect with HIV care and treatment services
- Begin treatment as soon as possible
- Take measures to prevent transmission to others
Indeterminate Result
- Interpretation: Results are unclear or borderline
- What it means:
- May indicate very early infection with virus levels below optimal detection
- Could be laboratory variation or technical factors
- Recommended action:
- Follow up with our physicians for guidance
- Retesting recommended
Next Steps for Positive Results
If you test positive for HIV, our licensed physicians can discuss next steps during your free consultation.
Common Recommendations:
- Confirmation of results (automatically performed)
- Connection to HIV specialist care
- Information about treatment options
- Partner notification guidance
- Emotional support resources
Modern HIV Treatment:
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is highly effective
- One pill once daily regimens are now available
- Reduces viral load to undetectable levels in most people
- Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) – cannot sexually transmit HIV
- Near-normal life expectancy with proper treatment
- Early treatment initiation leads to better long-term outcomes
Understanding Acute HIV Infection
The HIV RNA test is particularly valuable for detecting acute HIV infection, the earliest stage of HIV infection.
What is Acute HIV Infection?
- First stage of HIV infection, typically 2-4 weeks after exposure
- Period when the virus is rapidly replicating in the body
- Often accompanied by flu-like symptoms, though not always
- Highest risk of transmission to others due to very high viral loads
- Standard antibody tests often negative during this phase
Symptoms of Acute HIV Infection (if present):
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Muscle and joint pain
- Night sweats
- Mouth ulcers
Why Early Detection Matters:
- Prevents unknowing transmission to others during highly infectious period
- Allows for immediate treatment which may have benefits for long-term immune function
- Reduces inflammation and viral reservoirs when treatment is started early
- Provides opportunity for early intervention with antiretroviral therapy
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
If you believe you’ve been exposed to HIV within the past 72 hours, you may be a candidate for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), a short course of HIV medications that can prevent infection if started quickly.
PEP Information:
- Must be started within 72 hours of potential exposure
- Consists of taking HIV medications for 28 days
- More effective the sooner it’s started
- Available through emergency rooms, urgent care centers, and some clinics
- Our physicians can provide guidance on accessing PEP during consultation
If you think you need PEP, seek medical attention immediately and then consider the HIV RNA test to confirm your status after completing the medication course.
Privacy and Convenience
100% Confidential
No information is shared with insurance companies
Test results are never shared without your explicit permission
Testing centers maintain strict privacy protocols
Results accessible only through your secure online account
All testing complies with HIPAA privacy regulations
Convenient Testing
Over 4,500 testing locations nationwide
No appointments necessary – walk in at your convenience
Most visits take less than 15 minutes
No need to provide your reason for testing to lab staff
Simple testing process with minimal discomfort
Why Choose LocalSTDTesting.com
- FDA-approved testing methods
- Same tests used by doctors and hospitals
- CLIA-certified laboratories
- Highest sensitivity RNA testing technology
- Clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- No insurance necessary (keeping your testing private)
- HSA/FSA accepted
- Payment plans available with no credit check
- US-based care advisors available 7 days a week
- Free physician consultation if you test positive
- Private, secure access to your results
- Referral resources available in all 50 states
Standard HIV tests (antibody or antibody/antigen tests) detect your body’s response to the virus, which takes time to develop. The RNA test directly detects the genetic material of the virus itself, allowing for much earlier detection, as soon as 9-11 days after exposure.
The RNA test is the most sensitive test available for early detection of HIV. However, for infections older than 3 months, standard antibody tests are equally accurate. Each test has an optimal window for accuracy.
This test is designed to detect HIV-1, which accounts for the vast majority (>95%) of HIV infections in the United States. It may not detect HIV-2, which is rare in the U.S. but more common in parts of Africa.
If you tested very early (before 9-11 days after exposure), retesting is recommended. Even with a negative RNA test, follow-up testing with a standard antibody test at 3 months is advised for definitive results.
The HIV RNA test uses advanced molecular technology to directly detect viral genetic material, requiring specialized laboratory equipment and processes. This sophisticated testing provides the benefit of the earliest possible detection.
Our HIV RNA test is a qualitative test, which determines if HIV is present. Quantitative RNA tests (viral load tests) measure the amount of virus and are typically used for monitoring people already diagnosed with HIV, not for initial diagnosis.
If you’re concerned about a potential exposure within the past 30 days, the RNA test offers the earliest possible detection. If your potential exposure was more than 30 days ago, our standard HIV antibody/antigen test is appropriate and more affordable.
Order Your HIV RNA Early Detection Test Today
Don’t wait weeks for answers about your HIV status. Our $169 HIV RNA Early Detection Test provides the earliest possible results with the convenience of a simple blood test and no doctor’s appointment.
Order online or call (866) 566-8711 to speak with a care advisor who can help you place your order.
Order HIV RNA Test Now or call (866) 566-8711
This test is also included in our Standard 10 Test Panel for comprehensive STD screening.
Payment plans available with no credit check required.
LocalSTDTesting is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions about medical conditions.
