What Is An AIDS Test?
AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus alters the ability of the immune system to work properly, thereby severely disabling it from defending the body from disease. Getting tested for HIV refers to testing for the HIV antibodies.
What Are Antibodies?
An antibody is made by the immune system in order to label, or identify, and neutralize a virus or other invasive objects in the body. Antibodies are found in the blood and other fluids in the body. HIV antibodies do not fight the virus, and they do not kill the virus. There is no known cure for the AIDS virus at this time.
Traditional HIV Tests
HIV tests are traditionally performed under the supervision of a medically trained individual working within a clinical setting. This test is called the enzyme immunoassay test. The test involves extracting blood from the patient and then testing it for antibodies. Blood samples are sent to licensed laboratories for testing. Results can take several weeks to be returned to the clinic, which means the patient must make a second visit. Technologies are in place to test without the need to send samples off-site, with results usually returned within 20 to 30 minutes. These tests are provided within clinical settings and do not necessarily involve extracting blood but can use oral fluid instead.
Other HIV Testing
HIV testing products have also been developed by non-medical personnel. While these products generally involve swabbing the inside of the mouth, they can also use a finger pricking method or use blood serum, plasma or whole blood as specimens. The testing is still performed by a laboratory. The sample is placed in a vial along with a preservative used to stabilize the sample. The vial is then shipped per the manufacturer's recommendations. This testing is referred to as Rapid HIV Antibody Testing by the CDC (Centers For Disease Control) and is sometimes used by insurance and human resource departments.
At-Home HIV Testing
Performing an AIDS test at home is easy and requires no special knowledge or training. The only test approved for at home use by the Food and Drug Administration is called the Home Access HIV-1 Test System, and it can be purchased from local drug stores. This AIDS testing kit involves pricking the finger and placing the blood on a card. Everything needed is provided with the kit. The user then mails the card to a licensed laboratory. Along with the kit comes a unique identifying number or code that is used to collect the results from the laboratory.
Testing Positive
If results from a rapid or at-home HIV test are positive and show the patient has the HIV virus, a follow-up test should be conducted. Contact a local clinic or follow the directions of the health care provider supplying the initial results. Clinics involved in AIDS testing will usually provide counseling and treatment explanations for those testing positive and those asking to be tested.
Why Get Tested?
Identifying the virus in the body allows a treatment to be chosen. Treatment cannot rid the body of the virus, but it can reduce the action of the virus. Even with treatment, a person still carries the virus and can infect others. Treatments have been shown to extend the life of the patient.
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