If you suspect you might have HIV for various reasons, or if you have had high-risk sexual behaviors, we generally recommend that patients go to a formal hospital and have a blood test for HIV screening. It's usually best to get tested between 1 and 2 months after potential exposure. If the test is negative, HIV can generally be ruled out. If the sexual behavior was high-risk, then another test can be conducted at the end of the third month. If there is frequent high-risk sexual activity, then another follow-up test can be done at six months. If all tests are negative, HIV can be ruled out. If a test is positive, further confirmatory tests should be done at a disease control center.