HIV is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) caused by a virus that attacks the immune system. Treatment can control the infection and prevent disease progression and being diagnosed early means you can start therapy right away. Check out this article to find out 3 types of medical examinations for HIV detection.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is an infectious disease caused by a virus that attacks the immune system. By damaging your immune system, HIV interferes with your body's ability to fight infection and disease. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
HIV is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). It can also be spread by contact with infected blood and from illicit-drug injection or sharing needles. It can also be spread from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. Without medication, it may take years before HIV weakens your immune system to the point that you have AIDS.
If you are a person at high risk of contracting or transmitting this disease, it is best to have a medical examination or HIV test as early as possible. Testing for HIV is the only way to know for sure if you have HIV or not. Many people do not have any symptoms and can live for many years without knowing they have the virus.
Medications can control the infection and prevent progression of the disease. Being diagnosed early means you can start treatment, which will help you live a long and healthy life. Getting tested for HIV is quick, easy, painless and confidential.
The following are 3 types of medical examinations for HIV detection:
- Antibody Test
An antibody test is a medical examination that is carried out by checking the content of HIV antibodies in the blood. Antibodies against HIV will be produced by the body's immune system when a person has been infected with the HIV virus and can only be detected 1 to 3 months after the patient has been infected with the HIV virus.
Several types of antibody tests to detect HIV/AIDS infection are:
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- Rapid test: carried out by dropping a patient's blood/serum/plasma sample onto a testing cassette. This test is quick, it only takes 10-20 minutes to read the results