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Why would I need an AIDS test?
Get tested if you think you have been exposed to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
The virus may be transmitted during unprotected sexual activity with an infected partner, when needles are shared, when contaminated blood or blood products are exchanged from one person to another, and during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the mother is infected.
What tests are done?
The initial screening test for HIV is called the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The test looks for the presence of HIV antibodies. It does not test for the virus itself. The ELISA test isn't 100 percent accurate and sometimes gives false positive results. To confirm the presence of HIV infection, the Western Blot is used because it is more specific. But the test is more expensive.
How are the tests performed?
A needle is inserted into a vein, usually in your forearm. Blood is drawn and collected in a tube, which is then sent to a laboratory for testing.
Are there tests that don't involve drawing blood?
Oral fluid tests, in which oral fluids are collected from the inside of the mouth, are also offered at many clinics and HIV testing locations. If a person tests positive on an oral fluid test, blood tests would then be used to confirm HIV infection.
How long after a possible exposure should I wait to get tested for HIV?
Most people will develop HIV antibodies within three months after infection, the average being 25 days. In rare cases, it can take as long as six months. Therefore, if you test negative for HIV initially, you should be retested six months later after the last possible exposure.
What are rapid HIV tests?
A rapid test for detecting HIV antibodies is a screening test that produces very quick results, usually in five to 30 minutes. In comparison, results from the commonly used HIV antibody-screening test (ELISA) are not available for one to two weeks.
As is true for all screening tests (including the ELISA), a reactive rapid HIV test result must be confirmed before a diagnosis of infection can be given.
Can I get an AIDS test anonymously?
Yes. Anonymous testing means that you never give your name to anyone at the clinic and there is no record of your test results. Some states do not permit anonymous testing. For anonymous testing, you receive a unique patient number when you call for an appointment. You use this number for identification when you go to the clinic to be tested. You also use this number to collect your test results.
What about at-home HIV testing?
In the United States, only one home HIV test kit has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It's called the Home Access Express HIV-1 Test System, manufactured by Home Access Health Corporation. There was previously another FDA-approved home test called "Confide," but this is no longer being sold and has been discontinued. There have also been a profusion of unapproved home HIV tests being sold illegally, especially over the Internet. According to the FDA, these unapproved tests lack medical laboratory testing and controls, and therefore may give inaccurate results.
The "Home Access" test, which has been proven to be safe to use and accurate, allows consumers to collect a blood sample for testing in the privacy of their home. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results are obtained by calling a toll-free telephone number using an anonymous personal identification number.
If I test HIV negative, does that mean I do not have an infection?
Your HIV test result reveals whether you have antibodies to the AIDS virus at the time of the test. The test does not identify people who've been exposed to HIV and have circulating virus but haven't yet developed antibodies to the virus. This is called the "window period." Furthermore, just because you tested negative for HIV infection does not tell you whether your partner is infected. RNA tests are sometimes used in these circumstances. RNA tests look for genetic material of the virus and can be used for detection of very early infection.
What if I have a confirmed positive test for HIV?
A positive test indicates exposure to HIV. If you test positive, take prompt steps to protect your health and others'. Never share razors, toothbrushes or utensils. If blood is spilled in the house, clean it with household bleach diluted one part to 10 in water. Practice safe sex using latex condoms and let your partner know you have HIV. Don't donate blood, tissues or an organ. See a doctor, even if you do not feel sick. Try to find a doctor who has experience treating HIV patients.
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