what are the hiv tests?
114570
Rapid HIV tests Most test for HIV antibodies by taking a prick of blood from your finger. These tests are only accurate three months after exposure. If you get a positive result, the healthcare professional will double-check this with a second test.
735443
“Kits allowing people to test themselves for HIV at home can be bought over the counter in the UK for the first time,” BBC News recently reported. The UK government has amended the law so “do it yourself” home testing kits for HIV are now legal to be sold over-the-counter.
507690
An antibody test can take 23 to 90 days to detect HIV infection after an exposure. In general, antibody tests that use blood from a vein detect HIV sooner after infection than tests done with blood from a finger prick or with oral fluid.
704821
The time between when you get the virus and when it can be detected is called the window period. It can take up to three to 12 weeks for your body to make enough antibodies for an antibody test to detect HIV infection.
241297
The primary tests for diagnosing HIV and AIDs include: ELISA Test ELISA, which stands for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, is used to detect HIV infection. If an ELISA test is positive, the Western blot test is usually administered to confirm the diagnosis.
55583
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are used to detect HIV's genetic material, called RNA. These tests can be used to screen the donated blood supply and to detect very early infections before antibodies have been developed. This test may be performed just days or weeks after exposure to HIV.
756082
Is the HIV RNA test conclusive? If taken at the recommended window period, the HIV RNA test is highly accurate, so you can have confidence in your results. The HIV RNA test is around 95-99% accurate starting around 9-11 days post exposure and will stand at about 99% accuracy around 28 days post exposure.
1295045
Signs and tests HIV RNA test ("viral load") is positive in patients with acute HIV infection. Lower-than-normal CD4 (white blood cell) count may be a sign of a suppressed immune system. The CD4 count usually improves 1 - 2 months after acute infection. White blood cell differential may show abnormalities.
676893
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. HIV testing can detect HIV infection, but it can't tell how long a person has had HIV or if the person has AIDS. Why is HIV testing important?
83133
HIV testing is recommended for all babies born to women with HIV at 14 to 21 days of life, at 1 to 2 months, and again at 4 to 6 months. Additional testing at birth and other time points is recommended for babies at higher risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
1210344
Everyone can get free tests for any STI, including HIV, from their GP or local sexual health clinic. Self-test kits for STIs are also available online and on the high street. They include home testing kits for infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea that you can send away to a laboratory.
746592
Current tests typically become positive within 3–6 weeks of infection and 1–3 weeks after the onset of acute HIV symptoms [1]. While detection of early infection is a strength of these tests, it creates challenges in identifying persons with very early HIV.
671990
The western blot test takes longer (usually a week). It identifies genuine positive results. HIV antibody tests do not work as soon as you are infected because it usually takes four weeks for your body to generate antibodies to HIV.
479042
They are called 'rapid' tests because the result can usually be given within a few minutes. Most rapid tests detect HIV antibodies. They are not part of HIV itself, but are produced by the human body in response to HIV infection.
606894
Self-test kits for STIs Everyone can get free tests for any STI, including HIV, from their GP or local sexual health clinic. Self-test kits for STIs are also available online and on the high street. They include home testing kits for infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea that you can send away to a laboratory.
1166112
This test looks for HIV antibodies in your blood or saliva. Your immune system makes antibodies when you are exposed to bacteria or viruses, like HIV. An HIV antibody test can determine if you have HIV from 3–12 weeks after infection.
55934
It can take up to three to 12 weeks for your body to make enough antibodies for an antibody test to detect HIV infection. It usually takes a few days to a few weeks to get results of an HIV test, although rapid HIV tests can produce results in about 20 minutes.