An HIV test can detect if you have human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is an STI that makes it hard for your body to fight infections. Tests that help diagnose people with HIV have become more reliable and easier to do since the virus was first discovered. Depending on the test you take, you can get preliminary results in as quickly as 20 minutes.
What is an HIV test?
An HIV test shows whether you have thehuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that attacks your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections. In some — but not all —cases, HIV can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which can be life-threatening.
Getting tested for HIV is important because the sooner you know about an infection, the sooner you can receive treatment. Current treatments for HIV can strengthen your immune system to fend off the virus more effectively. Early treatment can prevent you from developing AIDS.
Current HIV tests are highly effective at detecting HIV. Current protocols for HIV testing reliably lead to an accurate diagnosis.
What are the three tests for HIV?
To diagnose HIV, your healthcare provider can order any of three types of tests. Depending on the test, you’ll provide a blood sample (from a vein or a finger prick) or an oral fluid sample that can be tested for HIV. Oral fluid contains cells from your mouth. It’s different from saliva.
Nucleic acid (NAT) test: The NAT test can detect HIV RNA, the genetic material in HIV. The test can also tell how much of the virus is in your blood (viral load). The NAT is a thorough lab test requiring a blood draw (a healthcare provider draws blood from a vein). It can be expensive.
Antigen/antibody test: Combination antigen/antibody tests check for signs of the virus instead of the virus itself, as with the NAT test. First, it tests for antigens. An antigen is a substance that activates your immune system to fight HIV. If you have HIV, antigen p24 will be in your blood. The test also checks for HIV antibodies. Your immune system makes HIV antibodies to fight off the virus. Antigens show up in your blood before antibodies do.
Antibody tests: This test checks for HIV antibodies.
Since a NAT test is more expensive, you’ll rarely take this test to screen for HIV unless you have symptoms. If you’re HIV-positive, your healthcare provider may order a NAT test to check your viral load, or how much of the virus is in your blood.
To screen for HIV, you’ll likely take an antibody test or a combination antigen/antibody test first. You’ll need follow-up testing if your results are positive to confirm the results.
When would an HIV test be needed?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force on HIV recommends that everyone between ages 15 to 65 take an HIV test at least once in their lifetimes. HIV doesn’t always cause symptoms in its early stages. An HIV test may be the only way to detect the virus and potentially prevent spreading it to others.
Dr.Javeed Kakroo is a Microbiologist Certified infection control Auditor at Kidney Hospital Srinagar and can be reached [email protected]
