Various methods are used to test for HIV/AIDS, including genetic evaluation and home test kits. The enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test is inexpensive and accurate, but not recommended for babies born to HIV-infected mothers. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is used for babies and donor blood screening. Rapid tests for antibodies are available for home use, but accuracy can be an issue. Counseling is important for those who test positive to understand treatment options and how to protect others.
Several methods are used for testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), ranging from the less common genetic evaluation to home test kits. Typical HIV AIDS testing procedures look for antibodies present in blood, urine, or saliva after someone has been infected with the disease. Home testing kits can use blood or oral fluid to detect antibodies that indicate the presence of HIV or AIDS.
A relatively inexpensive and accurate HIV AIDS test is the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) type. Blood or urine is evaluated in a laboratory to determine if HIV or AIDS antibodies are present. An exception to the accuracy of this form of HIV AIDS testing is its use on babies born to HIV-infected mothers. The baby may test positive because its mother’s antibodies can remain in the newborn’s system for up to 18 months after birth.
Babies of HIV-infected mothers are typically evaluated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing methods. Genetic properties in the blood are measured, which develop in just two weeks after infection. PCR is not a common procedure for HIV/AIDS testing for adult patients because it is complex and expensive. This form of HIV/AIDS testing, however, is routinely used to screen donor blood to ensure its safety.
The HIV AIDS rapid test for antibodies is similar to the EIA test. The results of this test are available 20 minutes after a blood or oral fluid sample is drawn. Any positive result from this test should be followed up with further tests to confirm its accuracy. The antibodies produced by HIV typically appear six to 12 weeks after a person is infected, but in rare cases it takes longer than six months.
Home HIV AIDS testing is popular for its convenience and anonymity. Someone who thinks they’ve been exposed to the virus can buy these tests at drug stores, place a blood sample on the test materials, and ship it to a lab for testing. Each test is routinely assigned an identification number for privacy reasons. Test results are obtained over the telephone, and counseling is commonly offered when the test comes back positive.
HIV AIDS rapid test kits for home use are not legal in some regions. These tests use a sample of blood or oral fluid to provide quick results without laboratory testing. The downside to this type of HIV AIDS test is inaccurate results if the test is not done correctly. There may also be a lack of advice for positive readings.
Counseling for those who have tested positive after testing for AIDS is important so that the patient understands treatment options. He or she can also learn to protect others from infection by using safe sex practices. The patient may be tested for other STDs that you are unaware of. Pregnant women who test positive for HIV can learn how to protect their babies from the virus through counseling.
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