HIV testing in Japan and urgent care after a possible exposure

When hours matter

After a possible HIV exposure within 72 hours, seek medical assessment immediately. PEP is preventive medicine that a clinician can prescribe after evaluating the exposure. When indicated, it should start as soon as possible and within 72 hours. Call ahead if you can to ask about urgent PEP access. Do not wait for a home or laboratory result before seeking help.

How testing works

Laboratory antigen/antibody tests and rapid antibody tests have different detection windows. A negative result soon after exposure may need a repeat test. A reactive screening result needs follow-up testing to determine whether HIV is present. If you take or recently took PEP or PrEP, tell the clinician because it can affect the follow-up testing plan.