HIV is a serious viral illness that is caught from sex, sharing needles, or blood exposures. Many people worry about HIV, however the rate is generally extremely low in most places. There is a higher risk in the gay community and in parts of the world with an unregulated commercial sex industry.
Really, only people at risk of catching HIV should be tested. This includes men who have sex with men and those with multiple or unknown partners. Also, it is important to consider more common sexual diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea; all people are at risk for these outside of a monogamous sexual relationship.
Many people will have concerns about HIV after a sexual encounter and seek testing.
HIV Testing
There are a few ways to test HIV; all involve a simple blood test.
Early Detection or Viral Load:
NAT: nucleic Acid Test: this tests for the actual HIV virus level in the blood. It is quite expensive but accurate in the early stages of the infection. Taking PrEP may reduce the accuracy of the test. HIV is detectable 10-33 days after exposure using this test when using blood from a vein. This is called the ‘window period’; the time frame in which the virus can be detected.
Antibody/Antigen tests, p24 test.
Antigens are viral related particle that your body’s immune system will respond to. They are detectable earlier than antibodies and is called the p24 antigen. The window period is 18-45 days when using blood from a vein. This is often used to ‘rule out’ HIV 6 weeks after exposure.
Antibody screening test
This is the most basic test and may take up to 90 days to detect HIV.
In addition to HIV testing, everybody should also speak to their doctor about other STDs worth testing for.
Are HIV tests accurate?
Generally yes, however up to 1% may be a wrong result; repeat testing and discussing the matter with your doctor is recommended.
You can read about relevant health topics by clicking the articles below:
- PrEP and preventing HIV
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
