How is the HIV test done correctly?

How is the HIV test done? Before conducting such an investigation, it is worth to learn a little about the disease itself.

Description of the given ailment

HIV infection is a disease of the human immune system. In the case of infection, the disease may not appear for years. Over time, beginning to slowly progress, significantly reduces immunity, which can lead to serious consequences.

Its absence opens the way for all diseases, even those to which a healthy human body is completely stable. HIV has several stages, the final one is called AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). If this diagnosis is made, a person dies not from the virus itself, but from any disease with which the body can not cope in the absence of immunity.

How can I get HIV? Variants of transmission of the virus

Every person needs to be aware of the ways in which HIV is transmitted to remove anxiety about themselves and their loved ones and not to worry about the possibility of infection.

There are different ways of infection. Let's look at them:

• Injections - this can be both drugs and drugs; The risk of infection increases dramatically when using non-sterile needles and other similar medical instruments;
• A random injection with a used syringe or contact of an open wound with someone else's blood;
• Tattoos, piercings should not be done by a master who does not observe the sanitary and hygienic standards in the room;
• Same-sex sex: especially high risk of infection is among men's couples;
• The provision of commercial sex services or their use;
• Unprotected sex, especially with a new partner (or with several);
• Transfusion of blood, transplantation of donor organs;
• Various kinds of surgical interventions, as well as injuries.

In any of these cases, you should definitely pass HIV tests. In the case of rape, the perpetrator and the victim are compulsorily required to undergo this study.

Where can I take HIV tests and why?

About infection with this ailment a person may not know for a long time, while continuing to lead a normal lifestyle, look good and feel completely healthy. From the moment of infection to the manifestation of symptoms passes from 2 to 15 years, and all this time the patient does not even suspect that he can infect others. Therefore, each person needs to know how to pass the test for HIV. To conduct this study, you need to contact the clinic at your place of residence or any hospital.

If you want to take HIV tests anonymously, for free 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 routine hospitalization, before surgery, during pregnancy or in case of sudden weight loss.

Remember, if you take an HIV test and find out the disease in time, then you can get a chance to save a person and protect his relatives from getting infected!

How is the HIV test done? Two test cases

To pass the test for HIV, special training is not necessary. It is desirable to do it on an empty stomach or nothing to eat and drink, except water, for 6-8 hours before the upcoming event. How is the HIV test done? To date, there are two types of test:

1. ELISA (enzyme immunoassay) - determines the presence of antibodies, which are produced by the immune system to protect and fight infection. The result of the IFA is 99% reliable. It is affordable for all categories of the population and involves the surrender of blood from the vein.
2. PCR (polymer chain reaction) is another HIV test. The analysis determines the presence of the virus proteins. Its reliability is 95%, and on the basis of indicators it is impossible to make a diagnosis. For this analysis, as in the first case, it is necessary to deliver blood from the vein on an empty stomach.

Myths about how the disease is transmitted

How is the infection not transmitted?

• Through tears, saliva, sweat;
• At embraces, handshakes;
• At a kiss;
• When coughing or sneezing;
• In the gymnasium, swimming pool, public places;
• Through a common dish;
• When using the toilet and shower;
• Through insect bites, animal scratches.

HIV is very unstable, that is, it is viable only in the human body, but quickly die when it enters the environment.

Treatment of HIV-infected persons. What is it now?

Unfortunately, until now no vaccine has been found to help completely remove the infection from the body. Nevertheless, scientists invented drugs that block the multiplication of the virus and inhibit its activity.

Treatment with several drugs simultaneously significantly reduces the level of HIV in the blood. This makes it possible to increase the presence of immune cells.

A small conclusion

Now you know why to do an HIV test, how to take it right. Also we briefly examined the disease itself, possible ways of its transmission. Knowledge and correct diagnosis will prevent complications and dangerous consequences of infection. Take the HIV test - save your life and your loved ones!