• Why HIV Testing Is Important
• The Need For HIV Testing
• Information Of HIV Testing
• All You Need To Know About HIV Testing
• What Is HIV Antibody Testing?
• Implications Of Rapid And Antigen HIV Testing
• How Do Fourth Generation And PCR HIV Testing Methods Help?
• HIV Sampling And Testing At Home!
• The Health Research Website

The Need For HIV Testing

HIV testing is done to know whether an individual is affected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Most of the tests performed detect the presence of antibodies to HIV, while a few others look for signs of the virus in the blood. Any individual who believes, or is concerned that he/she may be infected, or exposed to the virus can get a HIV testing done. Anyone who is sexually active with multiple partners of the same or opposite sex, uses a needle to feed a drug habit should get themselves tested regularly. There are a lot of health care centers and laboratories all over the world that provide HIV testing. If an individual knows that he/she is infected with the HIV virus, a number of follow up tests need to be done to determine the rate at which the virus is multiplying, and immunity levels of your system.

The most common form of HIV testing is through blood samples. A number of modern tests use mouth fluids or urine samples to detect the presence of HIV antibodies. The results of rapid HIV tests are quick; the results of the tests are available within 30 minutes after the sample is collected and analyzed. If the tests are positive, follow up tests are required. If an individual is infected with the HIV virus, the immune system takes approximately 3 weeks to 9 weeks to produce antibodies. During this period ('window period') if you get HIV testing done, you can test negative even though you are infected. During the window period even if an infected individual tests negative, he/she can transmit the virus to others. If you have doubts about being exposed to the virus it is important to wait for 2 to 3 months or, get a test done immediately and repeat tests after 2 or 3 months.

Viral load tests are used to detect presence of HIV genetic material, rather than antibodies. The presence of this genetic material shows up before the production of antibodies by the immune system. Also known as nucleic acid amplification testing, this form of testing is done on babies born to HIV infected mothers. Although this test provides accurate results it involves a complex procedure, and is very expensive. Most individuals avoid HIV testing with the fear of stigma, in society. There are a lot of centers that do not ask for the name of the individual undergoing HIV testing. Most centers keep the records of individuals testing for HIV confidential, unless required by the law.

A positive test indicates that an individual is infected with the HIV virus. Although this can be a difficult time, individuals can stay healthy being positive for several years, even without medication immediately. Although individuals purchase HIV test kits, the results may not be accurate. Although these can be sourced through the internet, it is recommended that you get HIV testing done at a health care center. There are different tests for HIV testing, most of which are not expensive. As such, everyone must opt for regular testing.