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HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) enters the body, replicates, and attacks the cells of the immune system. Attacking the immune system weakens the body’s defenses against infection. This means that an HIV+ person is susceptible to a number of opportunistic infections.
Once the body’s immune system is weakened to a certain level, and the individual is exposed to a number of infections, the person infected with HIV progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome). It is at this stage where HIV infection becomes fatal, due to the body's increasing inability to fight off common opportunistic infections (such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and - especially in India - tuberculosis).
However, the reality is that HIV never has to lead to AIDS!
HIV is now defined by the World Health Organization as a chronic and treatable condition, like diabetes. By taking proper care, it is possible to live with HIV without ever progressing to AIDS.
Management of HIV requires strengthening the weakening immune system. Proper nutrition is crucial to keep the body healthy and strong. HIV positive people require medical treatment (including but not limited to anti-retrovial drugs), good mental health, and social support - which includes access to resources like adequate health care facilities, housing and employment, as well as an environment free from stigma and discrimination.
What is an HIV antibody test?
An antibody test is one type of HIV test. This test shows whether a person has been infected with HIV. The test looks for HIV antibodies in a person's blood. When HIV enters a person's body, special chemicals are produced, which are known as antibodies. Antibodies are the body's response to an infection. So if a person has antibodies to HIV in their blood, it means they have been infected with HIV (an exception is the case of an HIV negative baby born to a positive mother, who will retain her antibodies for some months). Depending on the clinic, the test results can take from thirty minutes up to three weeks.http://www.avert.org/hivtesting.htm#q4
How is the HIV antibody test done?
When you attend to get tested you will see a doctor, trained counsellor, nurse or health care worker in private. He or she will explain what the test involves and what the result means. A small sample of blood will be taken and then analysed in laboratory tests. The test is completely confidential and your personal doctor will not be notified of the results without your permission.
For ELISA HIV tests the blood sample will be sent away and you will usually need to return to the clinic to collect your results. The test results from an HIV test are normally only given in person - not over the phone or sent by letter. Alternatively, rapid tests are now becoming much more widely available which can be carried out in less than half an hour. http://www.avert.org/hivtesting.htm#q5
A rapid HIV test is also an antibody test. The advantage of a rapid test is that you do not have to wait long for your results. The result of a rapid test is usually available within 30 minutes. Rapid tests are single-use and do not require laboratory facilities or highly trained staff. This makes rapid tests particularly suitable for use in areas with limited resources. http://www.avert.org/hivtesting.htm#q6
What is a p24 antigen test?
A p24 antigen test is a type of HIV test. It is mainly used to screen blood supplies but in some places it is used for testing individuals. The p24 antigen is a protein that is part of HIV. During the first few weeks after someone becomes infected with HIV, p24 is produced in excess and can be detected in the blood serum. Because the p24 test can detect HIV infection before the HIV antibody test can, it is used for diagnosing HIV early in the course of infection. It is usually recommended that this test is taken 2-3 weeks after possible exposure to HIV. http://www.avert.org/hivtesting.htm#q7
How long must I wait for my results?
Depending on the test used and where it is done, it can take anything from a few minutes, to a few weeks to get the result back. You should ask your doctor at the time of testing how long the results will take. For more specific information about results, see the different test sections above.
Can anyone find out your test results?
This depends on whether the test is anonymous or confidential. If you are tested anonymously, your name is not recorded and no one can get access to your test results. Confidential testing means that your name and test results are linked, and will not be made public, but may be reported to health departments or become part of your medical record. In some areas, your HIV status can be made known to previous or current sex partners without your permission. Since the rules differ from state to state and from country to country, you should ask the test site who can get hold of your test results if you choose confidential testing. http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/insite?page=basics-00-17
Do you need permission from a parent or guardian to be tested?
In some places, minors may not be tested without permission from a parent or guardian. Can you ask your parents for permission? http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/insite?page=basics-00-17
Can I get tested without visiting a clinic?
It is generally recommended that the HIV test is done in a health care setting. However, in some countries 'home sampling' kits are available. With a home sampling kit, a person can take a sample (usually a blood sample) and then send it to a laboratory for testing. A few days later the person phones up a special number, gives their individual identification code, and is given the result over the phone. If the result is positive then a professional counsellor will provide emotional support and referrals.
For home sampling, the major advantages are convenience, speed, privacy and anonymity. In countries where HIV tests are not free, home sampling may be a cost-effective way to get tested. But for some people the lack of face-to face counselling before and after the test may be a disadvantage.
I have seen 'instant HIV tests' being sold in the internet- are these recommended?
Using an HIV test kit at home means that the results are learned on the spot without any counselling. Reactive test results must be confirmed by further testing at a clinic. In many countries it is illegal to sell HIV test kits to the public. Again, for some people the lack of face-to face counselling before and after the test may be a disadvantage. http://www.avert.org/hivtesting.htm#q9
For more information, please visit AVERT.
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