HIV testing is available from healthcare providers. They take one of the following:
- blood sample
- oral fluid sample. 1
When should I get an HIV test?
Anyone can have an HIV test. Everyone should know their HIV status. Take a test if you are...
- pregnant
- breastfeeding
- not always using condoms
- sharing needles & syringes.
You should get an HIV test 3 months after potential exposure to HIV.
Know your status. Get your test results
The time between testing and getting the results changes depending on the type of test.
- Rapid test results are ready in 30 minutes or less.
- Laboratory test results can take much longer, up to a few weeks in some places. 2
If you test HIV-positive - HIV has been detected in your body
- Get the facts about living with HIV
- Find out if you need to begin treatment
- Get advice and support
- Protect sexual partners
- If pregnant, access services to prevent transmission to your baby
- Take precautions if living or travelling in places with high TB prevalence.
If you test HIV-negative - you do not have HIV
- Get the facts about staying negative
- Protect yourself during sex
- Never share needles and syringes
- Have regular HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests.
HIV Window Period
- What is the HIV window period?
It refers to the weeks following exposure to HIV when an HIV test may not detect infection.
- How long is the HIV window period?
It can be between 2 weeks and 3 months, depending on the individual and the type of test used. 3
After an HIV test
- A confirmatory test confirms that your HIV test result is correct – some tests need a second fluid specimen.
- If you get an HIV test during the window period - a negative result is only reliable if it is 3 months after possible exposure to HIV
- If you have unprotected sex or share needles & syringes again, test again
- Modern HIV tests are very accurate at detecting HIV infection
- An HIV-negative test result 6 months after you were last exposed is final
- Waiting for results can cause you anxiety. AVERT.org can give you advice and information.
Types of HIV test
- Antibody Test - Detects HIV antibodies in blood. Most common diagnosis tool
- Antigen Test or P24 - Detects HIV proteins in blood
- Fourth Generation Test -Detects HIV antibodies and HIV proteins in blood
- HIV RNA Test - Detects genetic material of HIV in blood, rarely used as a diagnosis tool. 4
- See more at: http://www.avert.org/fact-sheet-hiv-testing.htm#sthash.cenEDKGd.dpuf
إرسال تعليق