HIV is a type of virus that attacks cells that help the body protects from infections. It is spread by contact with certain fluids of an HIV-infected person in various ways. t is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, intravenous drug use with infected needles, childbirth, breastfeeding, and from an infected mother to her baby. Untreated, HIV may lead to AIDS.
People living with HIV are considered to have become infected with AIDS when the number of their CD4 cells is less than 200 cells for every cubic millimeter of blood or they develop one or several opportunistic infections of any CD4 account.
HIV medicine still helps people at the stage of HIV infection which can be even lifesaving. The HIV test is an important tool for preventing HIV transmission and spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS. It can also reveal if someone has been recently infected with HIV and needs treatment right away or not. Relying on symptoms may mislead. However, only a test can determine the result.
Tests for HIV:
Antigen/antibody tests:
These tests typically require the collection of blood from a vein. Antigens are substances found in the HIV virus itself and are usually detected-a positive test in the blood within weeks of exposure to HIV.
Antibody tests:
These tests require the collection from saliva to look for antibodies to HIV in blood or saliva. Antibodies are made by the immune system when exposed to HIV. Antibody detection can take weeks and months. Antigen/antibody combination tests may take 2 to 6 weeks after exposure to be positive.
Nucleic acid tests (NATs):
These tests find the real virus in the bloodstream (viral load). This is blood taken from a vein as well. If a person has had exposure to HIV in recent weeks, the doctor recommends NAT. NAT will be the first test to become positive post-exposure to HIV.
CD4 T cell count:
CD4 T lymphocytes are white cells that are specifically targeted and destroyed by HIV. HIV infection progresses to AIDS when the CD4 T count drops below 200.
Viral load (HIV RNA):
This test confirms the amount of virus in the blood. Once HIV treatment starts, the goal is to reduce the viral load.
Rapid test for HIV:
The results can be obtained in 20-40 minutes. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), home HIV test results with 92% accuracy. For the best result, lab tests are important.
Regular check-ups help to determine the status of health. Tests are advised every 6 months. For an accurate diagnosis, reach out to us at +91 (79) 4900 6800 or visit www.unipath.in for more information. Unipath specialty laboratory provides home sample collection also for your convenience