Blood Tests for HIV

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What is HIV?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It's a virus that attacks the immune system, particularly the CD4 cells (T cells), which play a crucial role in fighting infections. However, if left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS, where the immune system becomes too weak to fight off infections and diseases.

HIV spreads mainly through: 

• Unprotected sex with an infected person
• Sharing needles or syringes
• From mother to baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Currently, there is no proper cure for HIV. Still, with appropriate treatment called antiretroviral therapy (ART), people can live long, healthy lives and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.

Overview

What is an HIV Test?

An HIV test helps to detect if a person has been infected with HIV. The test looks for:

• Antibodies that the body makes in response to HIV
• The virus's genetic material (RNA or DNA) itself.

Getting tested for HIV is important because early detection can help you receive early treatment and prevent you from developing AIDS.

What are the three important tests for HIV?

To diagnose HIV, your doctor may recommend different HIV tests. Depending on the test, you'll need to provide blood or oral fluid samples. Here is wha-t you need to know about routine blood tests for HIV patients​- 

• p24 antigen with HIV 1&2 Antibody Test- The p24 antigen with HIV-1 & HIV-2 antibody test detects both the p24 antigen and antibodies for HIV-1 and HIV-2 in the blood. The p24 antigen is a protein found in HIV that appears early after infection, often before antibodies develop. The test identifies HIV infection faster than antibody-only tests. It is highly effective for early diagnosis during the "window period" when antibodies may not yet be present. This test helps healthcare providers start treatment early and also reduces the risk of HIV transmission.
• HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies Test- The HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies Test detects antibodies produced by the body in response to infection with either HIV-1 or HIV-2. This test is performed using a blood sample. Antibodies develop within a few weeks after exposure to the virus, and they help diagnose HIV infections.
• HIV Antibody Rapid Card Test  The HIV Antibody Rapid Card Test is a quick and simple test that detects antibodies to HIV in small blood samples, providing results in just minutes. 

When would you need an HIV Test?

Doctors recommend that everyone take an HIV test between the ages of 15 and 65 at least once in their lifetime. HIV does not cause any symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, it is difficult to detect the virus, and only testing can help prevent its spread to others.

HIV Testing for high-risk groups

• After Unprotected Sex- If you’ve had unprotected sex with someone whose HIV status you don’t know, or if the condom broke, it's a good idea to get tested.
• Multiple Sexual Partners- Having sex with more than one partner increases your risk, especially if protection isn’t always used.
• Sharing Needles- If you’ve shared needles or syringes for drugs, tattoos, or piercings, getting an HIV test is important.
• Pregnancy- All pregnant women are usually tested to help prevent passing HIV to the baby.
• If Your Partner Has HIV- Even if you feel healthy, get tested if your partner is HIV-positive.
• Symptoms of HIV- If you have flu-like symptoms like fever, sore throat, swollen glands, a few weeks after possible exposure, you should get tested.
• As Part of Routine Health Checks, Doctors often recommend getting tested at least once if you're between 13 and 64 years old or more often if you're at higher risk.

Getting tested early helps protect your health and reduce the transmission of the virus to others.

Why Do Doctors Recommend HIV Testing During Pregnancy?

HIV testing during pregnancy helps protect both mother and child. Doctors recommend HIV testing during pregnancy for several important reasons:

• If a pregnant woman has HIV and doesn’t get treatment, there’s a high risk that she could pass the virus to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. However, with early testing and proper treatment, the risk of transmission can drop to less than 1%.
• If a pregnant woman tests positive, doctors can start antiretroviral therapy (ART) early. Starting treatment early can help reduce the amount of virus in her body (viral load) and the risk of transmitting the virus to the baby.
• Doctors can take special precautions during labor and delivery if the virus is detected early during pregnancy. They might recommend a C-section if the viral load is high to lower the risk of passing HIV to the baby.
• HIV can also be passed to a baby through breastfeeding. Knowing the mother's HIV status helps guide safe feeding options.

HIV testing is now a standard part of prenatal checkups. It's safe, quick, and ensures better health outcomes for both mother and baby.

Test Details

How does an HIV test work?

An HIV test looks for the signs of the virus in your blood and oral fluid. It detects antibodies, antigens, or the virus's genetic material (RNA). When you are infected with HIV, your immune system produces antibodies to fight it. Some tests also look for antigens, such as the p24 protein, which appears soon after infection. The most accurate test, the nucleic acid test (NAT), directly detects the virus's RNA. HIV tests can be done using a blood sample or an oral swab. Your doctor may recommend a second confirmatory test if the initial result is positive. However, early HIV testing is important to start the treatment quickly and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others. 

How Long After Exposure Should You Get Tested for HIV?

HIV tests can't detect the virus immediately after exposure because your body needs time to react and make antibodies. The window period is the time between exposure and when a test can detect HIV. It's best to wait until after this window period to get accurate results. The window period varies depending on the individual and the type of test used.

1. p24 antigen with HIV 1&2 Antibody Test

• Detects: HIV p24 Antigen
• Window Period: 10 to 60 days

2. HIV-1 and HIV-2 Antibodies Test

• This is one of the commonly used tests for HIV. 
• Detects: HIV antigens (like p24) and antibodies
• Window Period: 18 to 45 days

3. HIV Antibody, Rapid Card Test

• This test is less sensitive to early infection but is commonly used for HIV screening.
• Detects: HIV antibodies only
• Window Period: 23 to 90 days

If you test too early, you may receive a false negative result. If you've had a recent risk, it's best to test periodically after the window period has passed.

Preparation required for the HIV Test

The HIV test is simple and does not require much preparation. Here are a few simple things you should know before the test-

• You don’t need to fast before the test. 
• There are different HIV tests (blood tests, oral swabs, rapid tests, etc.). Ask what type you're getting and when to expect results.
• HIV tests are quick, safe, and confidential. Getting tested is important to protect your health.

What should you expect during the HIV Test?

Getting an HIV test is quick, simple, and painless. Here’s what happens: 

• When you go for an HIV test, the medical professional may ask a few questions about your health, risk factors, or possible exposure to HIV. This helps determine the right type of test:
• There are different types of HIV tests, and the sample needed depends on the type:

• Blood test for HIV infection​ (Lab or Rapid Test)- A small amount of blood is taken from your arm (for a blood test) or a finger prick (rapid test).
• Oral Swab Test- A soft swab is rubbed along your gums to collect saliva.

Getting Results- 

• Negative- No HIV detected. If tested during the window period, a follow-up test may be needed later.
• Positive- Your doctor may recommend a confirmatory test to confirm the positive result. If confirmed, the healthcare provider will guide you through the next steps and treatment.

What are the risks of the HIV Test?

HIV tests are very safe and have no or minimal risk. However, you may feel a quick pinch from the needle for blood tests. Some people may experience minor bruising or feel dizzy after a blood draw, but this is rare and typically resolves within a short period. HIV testing is confidential, and your results are protected by law in most countries. It's a smart, safe step for your health.

Results and Follow-Up 

What do the results mean?

When you take an HIV test, you'll get the results:

• Negative Result

• This means no HIV infection was detected at the time of the test.
• However, if you are tested too soon after exposure, the virus may not be detectable. In this case, your doctor may recommend a repeat test later to detect the virus.

• Positive Result

• A positive result means that HIV is present. 
• A confirmatory test will be done to confirm the result. 
• If you are positive, your doctor will guide you with the treatment options to manage your health. 

If you have questions about your result, please don't hesitate to consult with your healthcare provider.

What to Do If Your HIV Test Is Negative?

If your HIV test result is negative, it might be due to you being tested early after exposure. Your doctor may recommend retesting after a few weeks or months to confirm the results.

Even if the result is negative, continue taking precautions like condoms during sex, avoid sharing needles, and take other precautions to reduce your risk of HIV. Consult a doctor to determine if PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a suitable option for you. Taking the PrEP pill every day can lower your chance of getting HIV from sex by 99%. For people who use IV drugs, it reduces the risk by 74%. It's important to take PrEP exactly as prescribed, especially if you don't have HIV but your partner does.

Even when using PrEP, it's still a good idea to use condoms or dental dams to protect yourself from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

What to Do If Your HIV Test Is Positive?

If your HIV test result is positive, your healthcare provider will perform another test to confirm the result. This is important to ensure the diagnosis is accurate. If you are found positive, your doctor may begin treatment called antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART helps keep the virus under control and protects your immune system. Take regular check-ups, follow your medication regimen as prescribed, and discuss any concerns or side effects with your healthcare team.

Inform your sexual partners and avoid sharing needles. Using condoms and adhering to treatment reduces the risk of passing HIV to others. Early treatment and support help you live a long, healthy life. 

Additional Details

When to take an HIV test?

You should take an HIV test once in your lifetime. However, the test is compulsory if you’ve had unprotected sex, shared needles, or had any possible exposure to the virus. Testing is also recommended during pregnancy, after sexual assault, or regularly if you have multiple partners. 

Can a normal blood test detect HIV?

A normal blood test cannot detect HIV. HIV requires specific tests that look for HIV antibodies, antigens, or the virus's genetic material. Take an HIV test to know your HIV. 

What is a normal HIV test result?

If the test result is negative, it is considered normal.

How Do HIV-1 and HIV-2 Tests Differ?

HIV-1 and HIV-2 are two different types of HIV. Some antibody tests can identify if you have antibodies for HIV-1, HIV-2, or both in your blood. HIV-1 is the most common type and spreads more easily than HIV-2.

A Note from Redcliffe Labs 

If you're worried that you might be HIV positive, then seek immediate help and consult your doctor. If you find it positive, then don't be so concerned; inform your sexual partners and start your treatment early. HIV treatments have come a long way since the 1980s, and many people living with HIV today lead healthy, fulfilling lives. With early diagnosis and modern treatments, HIV is manageable, and people can live long, healthy lives. Staying informed, getting tested regularly, and seeking support can make all the difference.

Care at Redcliffe Labs

If you are looking for a blood test for HIV infection, then you can trust Redcliffe Labs. We are India's leading diagnostic service provider, delivering on-time and 100% accurate test results. The 

The cost of blood tests for HIV may vary depending on the type of test you are undergoing. But we ensure that we provide every test at an affordable price compared to others. We provide home-sample collection services, so you don't need to go anywhere for your diagnostic tests. More than 50,000+ doctors trust us to provide accurate results every time. 

So, what are you waiting for? Follow the steps below to book your HIV test online with Redcliffe Labs. 

• Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com.
• Search for the HIV test you need. 
• Add the test to the cart. 
• Fill in the required details, such as personal information, time, and date of the slot. 
• Complete the payment process online.
• You will get test confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.
• Your test is booked.