Wednesday, December 28, 2011

HIV Blood Test Results

HIV Blood Test Results

HIV blood test results are used for deciding whether a person is HIV infected or not. There are some standard blood tests. They include Enzyme immunoassay that is widely used for detecting the existence of HIV in the blood. It is accurate as well as easy to carry out. However, no HIV tests provide you hundred percent accuracy. In spite of the fact, blood tests are useful for detecting the HIV. The accuracy depends on the carrying out the process as well as the stage of the infection of HIV infection. ELISA test is also standard blood tests that are followed by Western blot test. Western blot test is used for confirming the ELISA/EIA screening tests.

Before going to discuss about HIV blood test results lets us have a look on that what exactly blood test means

Blood test is described as a method in which a sample of blood is taken and analyzed in the controlled conditions for the proof of infection, disease, and abnormality.

HIV antibody tests have three results negative or indeterminate, and positive:

If the HIV antibody tests' result shows that an individual is positive, it means he/she has been infected with HIV. It is called as a HIV positive. On the other hand negative results of HIV antibody tests means a person is most likely not infected with HIV. Nevertheless, HIV antibodies take three to six weeks and sometime three months to be showed up on a standard test. So it may possible that those who are recently infected with HIV will have negative results in this period. The period is called as a Window period. That is the reason you have to go through the various confirmatory test programs.

The indeterminate results mean it is neither positive nor negative. This may be the results of the given things

  • If you are recently infected with HIV
  • Recent infection with malaria, syphilis, or other viruses
  • An autoimmune disease such as lupus or diabetes
  • Problems with the test procedure like contamination of blood sample

If a person is having indeterminate HIV tests results, it is advisable to repeat the test program after six months. If still a person has indeterminate results, then he/she may go through the other tests for detecting the infection.

PCR/Viral Load Testing

Polymerase Chain Reaction test (PCR) test that is also known as viral load test is used for measuring the amount of HIV in HIV positive persons' blood. The tests detect directly the HIV in blood instead of detecting antibodies. It may detect the infection of HIV almost a week after an exposure. That is the reason researchers and health care providers use it to recognize the infections during the window period.

HIV blood test results are accurate. However, if a person is infected recently then it can show the negative results. So, it is suggested to go through the HIV tests after six months for detecting the existence of the HIV. These tests are really useful and easy to carry out in spite of the fact you have to consult with your doctor.

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