BOOK HIV Test

HIV tests are used to detect the presence of an HIV infection. HIV testing can be used as a routine screening test and as a diagnostic test following probable HIV exposure. It can also be used on patients with HIV-related symptoms.

HIV testing is critical for reducing the spread of HIV infection. Because many people are unaware that they are infected with HIV, they may be less inclined to take steps to help prevent the virus from spreading to others. Furthermore, early diagnosis frequently results in treatment with medications that may prevent the progression to AIDS.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is divided into two types: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 was the first to be found and is the most common worldwide, but HIV-2 is less harmful and is primarily restricted to West Africa.

The term AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) refers to a group of potentially fatal diseases and disorders that occur when your immune system has been badly compromised by HIV. While AIDS cannot be passed from person to person, HIV may. There is no cure for HIV at the moment, but there are extremely efficient pharmacological therapies that allow most people infected with the virus to enjoy a long and healthy life.

Majority of the people with HIV will not acquire AIDS-related diseases and will live a near-normal life if they are diagnosed early and treated effectively.

If a person becomes infected with HIV, early testing and treatment can be beneficial to:

• boost their mental state
• reduce their chances of illness development
• avert the emergence of stage 3 HIV, often known as AIDS
• minimize their risk of spreading the illness to others

If your doctor suspects you have HIV, you may be subjected to this test. These are some of the indications and symptoms of HIV infection:

• Rapid weight loss
• Sweating during the night or fever
• Extreme exhaustion
• Lymph nodes that are swollen
• Spots of white in your mouth or throat
• Ongoing diarrhea (chronic)
• Pneumonia
• Splotches of reddish color on your skin or in your mouth
• Forgetfulness
• Depression

HIV testing is performed on those who are at a higher risk of developing HIV, such as:

• persons who have an HIV-positive current or previous relationship
• guys who have unprotected intercourse with men
• People who inject drugs and share equipment
• people who have shared sex toys with an HIV-positive person
• people with a history of sexually transmitted illnesses, hepatitis B or hepatitis C
• people who have had several sexual partners
• people who have been raped
• people who have gotten a blood transfusion or transplant
• Healthcare personnel who may have unintentionally pricked themselves with an infected needle; however, the risk is minimal.
• Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

No special preparation is required for the HIV Test.

There are no such risks linked with HIV testing.

HIV is often diagnosed by looking for antibodies against the virus in your blood or in a sample of cells collected with a swab from inside your cheek.

Normal Range: Negative (Non-Reactive)