Why HIV Testing Is Important

An HIV test is done to find out if a person is infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. The presence of this virus in urine, saliva, or serum can be detected by a number of tests. These tests are necessary for detecting RNA, antigens, or HIV antibodies. Tests such as viral load test and CD4 test are performed once the diagnosis of the presence of virus is confirmed in an individual. HIV antibody tests are used for routine diagnosis of HIV. These include a combination of tests once the presence of antibodies is detected. Most of the testing centers the world over adhere to the rules of confidentiality, and anonymity of the individual undergoing the HIV test.

In most individuals the HIV antibodies are detectable within 6 to 12 weeks since the infection. In rare cases the antibodies may develop at a later stage. The period between the HIV infection and the development of antibodies is known as the 'window period'. To delay the production of antibodies Antiretroviral therapy can be administered to the individual during the window period. Antibody tests are not expensive and known to be accurate. One of the tests commonly used in most parts of the world is the ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent) or EIA (Enzyme immunoassay) Antibody tests are able to determine and detect minute presence of HIV antibody amounts.

The standard method used for diagnosing HIV-1 infection includes enzyme immunoassay along with follow up confirmatory tests such as Western Blot, Indirect immunofluorescence assay and Line immunoassay. P24 antigen tests are done to find the presence of capsid protein on the virus. This test has low sensitivity and works immediately after the HIV infection, before antibodies are being produced. Rapid HIV tests have become common the world over. These tests are quick and produce results in 20 minutes. Oral fluids or a blood sample can be used for rapid HIV tests. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests also known as viral load tests are expensive, and are used for testing babies conceived through HIV infected mothers. The antibodies of the infected mother that is transmitted or retained by the baby for long periods may dictate the inaccuracy of an antibody test.

Although there are a lot of home sampling kits available in the US and other parts of the world not all are approved by the FDA. With a home sampling kit an individual can take a blood sample or oral fluid and determine the results within a few minutes. If the result is positive follow up confirmatory tests need to be done at a lab. Although it is illegal to sell HIV test kits in some countries, individuals source them from internet sellers. These test kits may not be up to FDA standards and provide inaccurate results. Research reveals that modern methods used in HIV testing have proven to be extremely accurate, minimizing the ratio of 'false positive' drastically. Accurate tests that detect the presence of HIV virus are extremely beneficial in order to administer antiretroviral drugs.