Self-testing for HIV can be done with specialized HIV self-testing papers. There are two types of HIV self-tests: one is conducted through saliva secreted in the mouth, and the other is conducted through fingertip blood. Self-tests are used for initial self-assessment after high-risk sexual behavior, but are not used as a definitive diagnostic criterion for HIV. In order to determine whether or not you have HIV, you must go to your local hospital or CDC and have your blood drawn to test for HIV antibodies, and HIV antibody positivity is the criterion for a confirmed diagnosis of HIV infection. The window period between HIV infection and the production of detectable HIV antibodies in the blood is about 2-6 weeks. During the window period, the patient is infectious, but a self-test or blood test at this time may be negative. It is recommended to go to the hospital for a blood test after 6 weeks of high-risk sex and to have a repeat test after 3 months. If high-risk sex occurs, it is recommended to go to a healthcare facility as soon as possible for a doctor-supervised test to make a definitive diagnosis. The results of self-testing methods may not be accurate and cannot be used to diagnose or rule out AIDS.