Tests for HIV: Varieties, Precision, Duration
HIV tests are readily available at various locations such as health clinics, doctor's offices, sexual health clinics, local health departments, pharmacies, and online through FDA-approved OraQuick. These tests are crucial for identifying HIV, the virus that attacks and destroys cells in the immune system, protecting the body against germs.
There are three types of HIV tests: nucleic acid tests (NATs), antigen/antibody tests, and HIV antibody tests. The only way to know for sure whether a person has HIV is to get an HIV test.
The most common type of self-test available for at-home use is the rapid antibody test. These tests, such as the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test, use oral fluid and can produce results within 20 minutes. Other self-tests, like the Home Access HIV-1 Test System, require mailing a sample to a lab for testing and take about a week to produce results.
Most self-tests deliver results in about 20 minutes, suitable for quick screening at home. Available self-tests mostly detect HIV antibodies using oral fluid or finger-prick blood. More comprehensive tests exist but require lab processing and take longer (up to a week).
The accuracy of HIV tests depends on factors such as the type of test, sample collected, time since exposure, and individual's response to HIV. It's essential to note that the window period for HIV tests is at least 90 days after potential exposure to get an accurate result.
The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 receives at least one HIV test. Those at higher risk should get tested more frequently. People who have had anal or vaginal sex with a partner who has HIV, are males who have had sex with another male, have injected drugs and shared needles, have had more than one sexual partner since their last HIV test, have received a diagnosis of another sexually transmitted infection, have exchanged sex for money, have received a diagnosis of hepatitis or tuberculosis, have had sex with someone to whom any of the above applies or whose sexual history they do not know, or are pregnant should get tested once a year. Even people in monogamous relationships should find out their HIV status.
Individuals can buy rapid self-test kits at a pharmacy or online, and there is currently only one rapid self-test with FDA approval: OraQuick. If exposure to HIV occurs within the past 72 hours, speak with a healthcare professional to discuss PEP as soon as possible. If the rapid self-test result is positive, individuals should speak with a healthcare professional for a follow-up test.
Private health insurance or Medicaid may not cover the cost of self-test purchases. Check with insurance providers and healthcare providers regarding reimbursement before purchasing. It's crucial to remember that without treatment, HIV can lead to AIDS.
In conclusion, HIV self-tests provide a quick and accurate way to screen for HIV at home. The rapid turnaround time helps facilitate early diagnosis, though the accuracy depends on the timing of the test relative to exposure (the "window period") and the test type. Regular testing is essential for maintaining good health and preventing the spread of HIV.
Using science and health-and-wellness resources, sexual health clinics offer HIV tests to identify the presence of the HIV virus, which targets and weakens immune system cells. Rapid antibody tests like the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test, available for self-use, utilize oral fluid and offer results within 20 minutes, allowing for quick screening at home in the realm of personal health.
