How is an HIV test done? Before conducting such a study, it is worth learning a little about the disease itself.
Description of this ailment
HIV infection is a disease of the human immune system. In case of infection, the disease may not appear for years. Over time, starting to progress slowly, significantly reduces immunity, which can lead to serious consequences.
Its absence opens the way to all diseases, even those to which a healthy human body is completely resistant. HIV has several stages, the final is called AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). If this diagnosis is made, a person dies not from the virus itself, but from any disease that the body cannot cope with in the absence of immunity.
How can you get HIV? Virus Transmission Options
Each person needs to know about the ways in which HIV is transmitted in order to relieve anxiety about oneself and loved ones and no longer worry about the possibility of infection.
There are different ways of infection. Let's look at them:
- injections - it can be both drugs and drugs; the risk of infection increases dramatically when using non-sterile needles and other similar medical instruments;
- accidental injection with a used syringe or contact of an open wound with foreign blood;
- tattoos, piercings should not be done by a master who does not comply with sanitary standards in the room;
- same sex: especially high risk of infection among male couples;
- the provision of commercial sex services or their use;
- unprotected sex, especially with a new partner (or with several);
- blood transfusion, transplantation of donor organs;
- various kinds of surgical interventions, as well as injuries.
In any of these cases, you should definitely be tested for HIV. In the case of rape, the perpetrator and the victim are required to undergo this study.
Where can I get tested for HIV and why?
A person may not know about infection with this ailment for a long time, while continuing to lead a normal lifestyle, look good, and feel completely healthy. From the moment of infection to the onset of symptoms, 2 to 15 years pass, and all this time the patient does not even suspect that he can infect others. Therefore, everyone needs to know how to get tested for HIV. To conduct this study, you need to contact the clinic at the place of residence or any hospital.
If you want to be tested for HIV anonymously, free of charge and without an address, you should go to the nearest AIDS center. The result is usually obtained within 2-10 days. In addition, an HIV test is prescribed for planned hospitalization, before surgery, during pregnancy, or in case of sudden weight loss.
Remember, if you pass an HIV test and find the disease in time, then you can get a chance to save a person and protect his loved ones from infection!
How is an HIV test done? Two test options
No special preparation is needed to take an HIV test. It is advisable to do it on an empty stomach or eat nothing and do not drink, except for water, 6-8 hours before the upcoming event. How is an HIV test done? Today, there are two types of test:
- ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) - determines the presence of antibodies that are produced by the immune system to protect and fight infection. ELISA result is 99% reliable. It is affordable for all categories of the population and involves the delivery of blood from a vein.
- PCR (polymer chain reaction) is another test for HIV. The analysis determines the presence of virus proteins. Its reliability is 95%, and on the basis of indicators it is impossible to make a diagnosis. For this analysis, just as in the first case, you need to donate blood from a vein on an empty stomach.
Myths about how the disease is transmitted
How is the infection not transmitted?
- through tears, saliva, sweat;
- with hugs, handshakes;
- with a kiss;
- when coughing or sneezing;
- in the gym, pool, public places;
- through common dishes;
- when using the toilet and shower;
- through insect bites, animal scratches.
HIV is very unstable, that is, it is viable exclusively in the human body, but will quickly die if it enters the environment.
Treatment for HIV-infected What is it now?
Unfortunately, no vaccine has yet been found to help completely remove the infection from the body. Nevertheless, scientists have invented drugs that block the reproduction of the virus and inhibit its activity.
Treatment with several drugs at the same time significantly reduces the content of HIV in the blood. This allows you to increase the presence of immune cells.
Little conclusion
Now you know why to do an HIV test, how to get it right. We also briefly examined the disease itself, the possible ways of its transmission. Knowledge and correct diagnosis will prevent complications and dangerous consequences of infection. Take an HIV test - save your life for yourself and your loved ones!