Why We Get Tested for HIV?

One of the most common worries in today’s world is getting an HIV test positive. Although HIV wouldn’t make its appearance in the first time itself. It might take some time to aggravate. If HIV isn’t taken care of properly, the conditions may worsen and eventually lead to the deadly, AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency Syndrome).

What is HIV?

HIV is a kind of virus. While the common or the normal viruses may leave the body after sometime, but HIV never does. It remains pertinent in the body. When a person is tested to be “HIV positive”, he will forever remain one. It is like an incurable disease.

What does HIV virus do?

The virus infects the living cells and increases the number of HIV virus in the immune system. Such cells are referred to as T-cells or CD4 cells.

When HIV virus gets the better of CD4 cells, it transforms into a kind of virus factory. Then, several such cells are reproduced. These copied cells further infect the other CD4 cells. The cells infected by HIV fail to work effectively and eventually die. The decrease in the number of CD4 systems also leads to the decreased health of the immune system. Thus, your body fails to stay active and healthy.

Where to get the HIV test done?

You can definitely look into the different places around you where you can get a HIV test done. The initial step that you can definitely try is look up in the internet about the places near you which conduct HIV tests. This will be efficient in letting you know where to find the perfect place. You may as well consult your local sexual health charities or doctors about the laboratories that conduct the HIV tests.

What is the accuracy?

The most appropriate types of HIV tests are those of the modern days. Since there are so many kind of tests, you should consult your doctor. He will help you determine what kind of test you should undertake and how effective will be the results. In the tests, a sample of your blood from finger or arm or any body fluid is taken and tested.

The time length of the result usually depends on the kind of result you undertake. The rapid test usually gives the result in just 20 minutes. The other kinds of tests take time since they are sent to the laboratories. The results may either take a few days or even a few weeks.

How do the different HIV tests work?

1. Third generation HIV test (ELISA antibody)

After being infected with HIV, the body is affected by certain antibodies. These antibodies maybe found in saliva, blood or urine. The antibodies are found in the body and depicts that the body is infected. They show up at least 3 months after the exposure. The results usually take few days till weeks to be produced.

2. Fourth generation HIV test (ELISA combined antigen/antibody)

This test quests for the HIV antibodies and also for the p24 antigens. The p24 antigens are found in the bloodstream and show up a few weeks after the infection. It is because of these viruses that you maybe prone to other health risks too. Similarly, the results may come after a few days or weeks.

3. Rapid HIV tests

The rapid HIV tests are of different kinds. In some the blood is taken by pricking on the fingers. The results turn out to be correct only after 3 months of exposure and results appear in 20 minutes. These are considered to be accurate but sometimes may even turn out to be ‘false positives’. Hence, the laboratory methods are more reliable.

4. Self-testing

This kind of testing procedure is available only a few countries. With the help of this method, you have the ability to perform it in your home. To test, you can buy a self-testing kit and then move on.

HIV can prove to be really dangerous and deadly if not taken proper care of. Thus, it is better to get the test done if you have a bit of doubt. It is better to be on the safe side. GET HIV TEST TODAY.