HIV Testing
If you suspect you are infected with HIV or AIDS don't guess as only a test will tell you for sure. There are some types of behaviors that can determine if you need an HIV test. Did you have sex with one or more partner un-protected ? This can be oral, anal or vaginal sex between men and women. Did you exchange sex for drugs or money? Did you share needles or syringes with someone that could be infected? Has your or your partner been diagnosed with hepatatis, turbeculosis or a sexually transmitted disease? Partners that don't know each other should be tested for HIV before having sex for the first time.
Most HIV testing measures the antibodies, your body develops in response to the infection. Most people develop antibodies two to eight weeks after exposure to the disease. This is called the window period. Another test called a RNA test directly detects the HIV virus. These tests are more expensive and used in some parts of the United States. Once HIV virus enters your blood stream your body produces antibodies that attack the bacteria. So these test look for HIV antibodies as a way to detect the virus instead of the actual virus itself.
Most HIV tests use blood to detect the antibodies while some use urine or salivia. Some take a few days for results while others have results in 20 minutes. There are several different types of HIV tests available. The Oral Fluid test collects a sample from the mouth not saliva using a special collection device. The follow up test is know as Western Blot Test. Another test the Urine test uses a urine sample and a follow up test is needed.
Rapid HIV tests use blood from a vein or finger stick or oral fluid to look for antibodies to the disease. They take about 20 minutes and a followu p test is needed for the person that takes it. The Home Access HIV-1 Test System is a home kit approved by Federal Food and Drug Administration for use. It can be found at most local drug stores. The customer must prick their finger with a device and put the blood sample on specially treated paper. The sample is then mailed to a labratory for results. RNA tests screen the blood for the virus. It is expensive and not used as often.
Symptoms do not tell you if you are infected with HIV or worrying after having sex with someone. You need to be tested using one of the many methods available. You will probably have to endure a second test to validate results. Once you know then you can determine the proper treatment plan.
Most HIV tests use blood to detect the antibodies while some use urine or salivia. Some take a few days for results while others have results in 20 minutes. There are several different types of HIV tests available. The Oral Fluid test collects a sample from the mouth not saliva using a special collection device. The follow up test is know as Western Blot Test. Another test the Urine test uses a urine sample and a follow up test is needed.
Rapid HIV tests use blood from a vein or finger stick or oral fluid to look for antibodies to the disease. They take about 20 minutes and a followu p test is needed for the person that takes it. The Home Access HIV-1 Test System is a home kit approved by Federal Food and Drug Administration for use. It can be found at most local drug stores. The customer must prick their finger with a device and put the blood sample on specially treated paper. The sample is then mailed to a labratory for results. RNA tests screen the blood for the virus. It is expensive and not used as often.
Symptoms do not tell you if you are infected with HIV or worrying after having sex with someone. You need to be tested using one of the many methods available. You will probably have to endure a second test to validate results. Once you know then you can determine the proper treatment plan.