There are many AIDS tests (HIV tests) that are used to detect the HIV virus, which is the cause of AIDS. There are several stages that the HIV virus goes through since its entry into the body, in this article you will find information about which HIV AIDS test should be done at which stage.
Frequently asked questions are:
- Which HIV AIDS test should I have?
- When should I have an HIV AIDS test?
- Which HIV AIDS test allows me to get an early diagnosis?
- Which HIV AIDS test gives the most accurate result?
After the first suspected contact with the HIV virus, a number of processes begin to develop in the human body. First, the HIV virus begins to multiply, and some antigens, which are in the protein structure of the HIV virus, appear in the blood. Detection of these antigens allows early diagnosis. P24 Antigen test and HIV PCR RNA tests are tests to detect these antigens. In the following process, our body develops its weapons against the HIV virus, and these are called antibodies, the tests that detect antibodies are Anti HIV, elisa, eliza tests. However, it should not be forgotten that; In order to obtain a healthy result in the anti-HIV test, it is necessary to wait 3 months because it is necessary to wait for the formation of antibodies.
All tests give negative results in the first 8 days of suspected contact, this period is called the window period. The only finding that can be detected 8-10 days after suspected contact is HIV RNA positivity. 3-7 days after the detection of HIV RNA positivity, p24 antigen positivity can be detected. It is reported that with the 4th generation ELISA tests that can detect HIV 1/2 antibody and HIV p24 antigen, positivity can be detected at the earliest 17th day after exposure to the agent.
If an HIV test is to be done in cases such as a suspected sexual intercourse or blood transfusion, the HIV p24 test should be done first. P24 is a unique protein found in the HIV virus itself. Therefore, a positive test (if the test has been studied properly) indicates that the person has acquired the HIV virus. The P24 test becomes positive on an average of 17 to 21 days after infection and remains in the blood until 90 days.
Anti-HIV antibodies are positive in the blood between 3 and 8 weeks on average. However, in order to obtain a healthy result in the Anti-HIV test, it is necessary to wait 3 months. As we mentioned above, a negative result that may occur before the 3rd month does not mean that the Anti-HIV test has not taken the virus. Therefore, it is not appropriate to take the anti-HIV test before the 2nd month. If the result of the Anti-HIV test is Positive, the test is repeated, and if it is positive, false positives may occur, and it is confirmed with the “Western Blot Test”, which is considered as the GOLDEN STANDARD TEST. The Western blot test can detect antibodies against the HIV antigens gp41, gp120, gp160, p18, p24, p31, p40, p65 and p55/51.
Which AIDS test should I get?
Anti-HIV test with Elisa method; While it only tells whether there is anti-HIV antibody in the blood, Western Blot test also detects which part of the virus in the body of the person with HIV infection. This works especially well in the early stages of infection because the virus has many antigenic structures and the body can only form antibodies against a small fraction of it early on. In addition, in most cases, as the disease progresses and the destruction in the immune system, that is, the decrease in Th lymphocytes, increases, the antibodies formed against p24, the core protein of the virus, begin to decrease or disappear completely. Therefore, if the Anti-HIV or p24 test is positive, a definitive report should not be given to the patient without confirmation by Western blot.
It may be an expensive method, but the “HIV RNA PCR test” gives the earliest and most reliable information in the diagnosis of HIV. With this test, the genetic structure of the virus is reproduced and made measurable and identifiable. With this test, there is a chance to catch the HIV virus in the blood before antibodies are formed. HIV PCR test can detect the presence of virus in the blood approximately 10 days after suspected contact. From the 28th day, the sensitivity of the PCR test to detect the virus reaches a high rate of 98-100%.
To summarize;
When should I get tested for HIV/Aids?
For the early diagnosis of AIDS / HIV, p24 test should be performed at the earliest 17 to 21 days after the suspected contact. If the result is Negative, it means that there is no problem, the patient can be given a definite result by confirming with the Western Blot Test.
The HIV RNA test is positive on the 8th-10th day, but in the 1st month, it gives a net result close to 100%.
Before the 3rd month, getting an Anti-HIV test is not recommended as it is risky and insufficient in terms of false positivity/negativity.
The World Health Organization recommends repeating the test at 6 months, even if the tests are negative, in case of suspicious relationship, so even if your p24 or HIV RNA test is negative, it is recommended to have an Anti-HIV test at 6 months again.
In Istanbul Laboratories Branches; All of the following HIV Test (AIDS Test) methods are being studied.
- P24 Antigen Test
- HIV RNA PCR Test
- 4th generation p24 antigen test
- HIV 1/2 antibody test
- HIV Duo Ultra Test
- Anti–HIV 1/2 Test
- CD4 Test
- Western Blot test
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