Your experience may be different depending on the setting. Health Care Setting or Lab If you get an HIV test in a health care setting or lab, the health care provider will take a sample of blood or oral fluid. With a rapid test (oral fluid or finger stick), you may be able to wait for the results. With a lab test, it may take several days for your results to be available. Your health care provider may talk with you about your risk factors, answer any questions you might have, and discuss next steps. Outside of a Health Care Setting or Lab If you are tested outside of a health care setting or a lab, you will likely receive a rapid test (oral fluid or finger stick). The counselor providing the test should be able to answer questions and provide referrals for follow-up testing, if needed. Learn more about what a negative or positive test result means.