Facts about HIV Testing
There are many tests out today to test a person to see if they have contracted the HIV virus. The HIV Antibody test is the most appropriate for routine diagnosis of HIV among adults. Antibody tests are cheap and very accurate. The ELISA antibody test (enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent) or EIA (enzyme immunoassay) was the first test to be widely used. When a person is infected, their body responds by producing special proteins that fight infection which are called antibodies. An antibody test looks for these antibodies in blood, saliva or urine. If antibodies to HIV are detected, the person has been infected with HIV. Most people develop detectable HIV antibodies 6-12 weeks of infection. In rare cases, it takes about 6 months, though it is unlikely that someone would take longer than 6 months to develop antibodies.
Who should get tested?
People who have had unprotected sex or have shared drug needles with others, or for any reason think that they may have come in contact with someone else that has HIV. For those who have never had unprotected sex, shared drug injecting equipment, or been exposed to HIV during a medical procedure or at work, then there is very little likelihood of you having HIV, and no real reason to take an HIV test.
When testing for HIV, it is recommended for it to be carried out in a healthcare setting. However, some countries provide home sampling and home testing kits. Home sampling kits lets a person take a sample (usually blood sample) and send it to a laboratory for testing. They can call for the results a few days later. If positive, a professional counselor will provide emotional support and referrals. Though fast and simple, these tests are far from accurate since it will only rely on a blood sample and no further interviews or queries can be done. That is why for best measure, it is still advantageous to go to a STD clinic and seek consult. There you will be given a set of laboratory tests as well as a full work-up and history regarding your condition.
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