HIV/AIDS Tests

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a lentivirus which means it has a very long incubation period. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It is transmitted primarily through sexual contact, but can also be transmitted through sharing needles, breast milk and from mother to baby during vaginal birth.

Who should be tested?
If you are sexually active, you should be tested. In fact, the CDC recommends that every person over the age of 13 be tested at least once for HIV. If you are leading a high risk lifestyle that includes: an active heterosexual or homosexual sex lifestyle with more than one partner, sexual contact with a partner who has been diagnosed with HIV or other STDs or STIs, or intravenous needle sharing. Testing is also recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing or planning to become pregnant and believe they may have been exposed. Testing is recommended for those who are risk for HIV at 3 months, 6 months and again at 12 months. If you are experiencing symptoms and have engaged in high risk activities, you should be tested, even if you've tested negative in the past.

HIV Antibody vs. HIV by PCR

• HIV Antibody detects an accumulation of antibodies the body produces in response to exposure to the HIV virus. This test is used for previous exposure to HIV or as a baseline test to determine past exposure.


• HIV by PCR is a highly sensitive test that detects more acute exposure to the HIV virus. This test is used for high risk exposure through risky lifestyle choices or sexual contact with someone who engages in high risk behaviors such as prostitution, anal sex, intravenous drug use, multiple sex partners, male/male sex partners.

The HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. However, symptoms come in four stages. In the initial stages, it is likely that no visible symptoms appear or are self diagnosed incorrectly. Accurate blood testing in the early stages provides the best chance at a treatment regimen that allows for a good quality of life. Many live long, comfortable lives with HIV if proper treatment is received early enough.

• Stage 1 - Incubation - No outward symptoms
• Stage 2 - Acute
• Flu-like symptoms in some people
• Swollen glands
• Stage 3 - Latent
• This stage can last from 1 year to many decades
• No outward symptoms.
• Possible swolln glands
• Stage 4 - AIDS
• CD4 T and CD8 T counts drop below 200
• Immune system is completely compromised
• Opportunistic diseases begin to invade
• Pneumonia
• Tuberculosis
• Cervical cancer
• Lymphoma
• Herpes

• http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/hiv_antibody/glance.html
• http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/guide/sexual-health-aids
• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hiv-aids/DS00005
• http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/hiv.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV
• http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/default.htm