If i had sex today and i want to know if i had hiv or aids how long should i wait to get a medical test?

It depends on the test. If you are concerned you may have contracted HIV you can get two different types of tests that are offered at testing sites. One is called PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and the other is called ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay). The PCR test measures proviral load (better explained as a viral DNA sequence that's been inserted in to human cellular DNA) and can be done when there "sufficient growth" of the virus in your body which is around 24 to 28 days after your "exposure." The ELISA on the other hand test's for antibodies that have been created by your immune system against the virus. This creation of antibodies is called "seroconversion" and usually occurs on average by 3 months after exposure to the virus. However, some people have undetectable antibodies at three months so it's suggested that a negative test at three months should be followed by another test at 6 months post exposure.

Different testing sites offer either one or both of these tests but you will most often encounter the ELISA because it is a sensitive and cheap test. Also, facilities will have differing guidelines on testing. There are plenty of free HIV testing sites so contact one of those for their testing guidelines. Good luck!

EDIT ---

One more tidbit of info that I forgot to add is price. ELISA is a cheap test and wont cost you more than a few dollars if you do it at planned parenthood (free clinical testing sites will use the ELISA). PCR is more expensive and you will probably spend upwards of $150 to get this test. Private testing firms offering this online and will send you to a blood collection facility to have your blood drawn. (Free clinics probably will not offer the PCR)

There's a six month window, yes, six, where you could test and the results come back negative when you could really have HIV.

In most people,theres a window period and its between 2 and 12 weeks. In others its 6 months so if u was to get tested like tomorrow you wouldnt get a real result

3 days. thats the rule

hahaha, must have been some girl.

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