Know your status, on your terms
Eight private tools to help you find testing, work out how often to test, understand the window period, prepare for a visit, read your results, and keep track over time. Everything runs on your device.
HIV testing tools
HIV Testing Locator
The many places you can test, for free, and often anonymously.
HIV testing is widely available and usually free. You can test at:
- Public clinics & health centres, most offer free rapid testing, often same-day.
- Community health centres & NGOs, friendly, youth- and women-focused spaces.
- Pharmacies, many sell self-test kits and some offer testing on site.
- Mobile & outreach sites, vans and pop-up tents at markets, campuses and events.
- HIV self-test kits, test yourself, privately, at home (see the Self-Test Guide below).
To find the nearest site, call your country's national HIV/AIDS helpline or ask at any clinic or pharmacy. A self-test kit is a great option if you'd prefer total privacy or can't easily travel to a clinic.
Educational only, not a medical diagnosis.
Testing Frequency Calculator
How often should you test? Tap through five quick questions, one at a time.
In the last year, have you had a new sexual partner?
Have you had more than one partner recently?
Sex without a condom with someone whose status you don't know?
A partner living with HIV who isn't virally suppressed, or whose status is unknown?
Have you shared needles or injecting equipment?
Educational only, not a medical diagnosis.
HIV Testing Reminder
Set a reminder so a routine test never slips your mind.
Educational only, not a medical diagnosis.
Window Period Calculator
When can a test reliably detect HIV after a possible exposure?
Educational only, not a medical diagnosis.
HIV Self-Test Guide
Test yourself privately at home in a few simple steps.
A self-test uses either a drop of blood from your fingertip or a swab of fluid from your gums. Most give a result in 15–20 minutes. Tick each step as you go:
- Get a kit from a pharmacy, clinic, or trusted online/community source.
- Read the instruction leaflet fully before you start.
- For an oral test, swab firmly along your upper and lower gums; for a blood test, lance a clean fingertip and collect the drop.
- Place the sample in the kit and start a timer.
- Read the result at the exact time stated, not earlier or much later.
- One line = non-reactive (negative). Two lines = reactive, this needs a confirmatory test.
- If reactive, go to a clinic for a confirmatory test and support. A self-test is a screen, not a final diagnosis.
Educational only, not a medical diagnosis.
Testing Preparation Checklist
A few things to sort out before your testing visit.
- Bring an ID if your clinic asks for one (many don't, testing can be anonymous).
- Know the date of your last possible exposure, so the window period can be assessed.
- Write down any questions you want to ask the counsellor.
- Arrange a support person if you'd like someone with you.
- Plan your transport and a time you won't feel rushed.
- Know where you can get your results, and where to access PrEP or PEP if needed.
Educational only, not a medical diagnosis.
Results Explanation Guide
What your result means, and the next step to take.
| Result | What it means | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Negative | No HIV was detected, and you are past the window period for your last possible exposure. | Keep testing regularly. Ask about PrEP for ongoing protection. |
| Negative, within the window | No HIV detected, but the test was too soon after a recent exposure to be conclusive. | Re-test after the window period (see the window tool). Consider PEP if exposure was within 72 hours. |
| Reactive / positive (rapid) | The rapid or self-test picked up signs of HIV. This is a screening result, not a final diagnosis. | Have a confirmatory lab test as soon as possible. Don't panic, many rapid reactives are confirmed and managed well. |
| Confirmed positive | A laboratory test has confirmed you are living with HIV. | Start treatment (ART), it's free, keeps you healthy, and makes HIV untransmittable when suppressed. Link to care today. |
| Indeterminate | The test was unclear, neither clearly negative nor positive. | Follow up with a different or repeat test as the provider advises. It usually resolves on retesting. |
Educational only, not a medical diagnosis.
Testing History Tracker
Keep a personal record and schedule your next routine test.
There's no central record of your testing, and that's a good thing for privacy. Keep your own simple log so you always know where you stand. For each test, note: the date, the place, the type of test, and the result. A note in your phone, a private journal, or a folded slip in your purse all work.
Use the reminder below to schedule your next routine test based on your frequency result.
Educational only, not a medical diagnosis.
Knowing your status is power
Add your voice to the women advancing HIV prevention choice and accountability across Africa.
Sign the Manifesto