An HIV test is a medical test that checks a sample of your blood, saliva, or urine to determine if you are infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV is a virus that attacks and weakens the immune system, which normally protects the body against infections and diseases. If untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), the most advanced stage of HIV infection. There are several types of HIV tests:
- Antibody tests : Detect antibodies that the body produces in response to HIV infection. These can be done with blood or oral fluid, and are common in rapid and self-tests.
- Antigen/antibody tests : Detect both HIV antibodies and antigens (a part of the virus that appears early after infection). These tests are usually done in a lab and can detect HIV sooner than antibody-only tests.
- Nucleic acid tests (NATs) : Look for the actual virus (HIV RNA) in the blood and can detect HIV earliest, within about 10 to 33 days after exposure. These are more expensive and typically used when there is recent high-risk exposure or symptoms.
HIV testing is important because many people with HIV do not know they are infected, which can lead to unintentional transmission. Early detection allows for timely treatment that helps keep the person healthy, prevents the progression to AIDS, and reduces the risk of spreading HIV to others. Testing can be done anonymously or through a healthcare provider, and results can be ready in minutes (for rapid tests) or a few days (for lab tests). A positive test result means the person has HIV and should see a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment. A negative result means no HIV infection was detected at the time of testing. Overall, HIV tests provide a definite answer about whether a person is infected with HIV and are a crucial step in HIV prevention and care. This explanation is based on current medical information about HIV testing protocols and the nature of HIV infection.
