Diagnosis of HIV infection

HIV can't be diagnosed through a medical examination or via disease symptoms. Diagnosis is only possible on the detection of the HIV virus or antibodies in body fluids (e.g. blood). Normally the presence of antibodies is tested.

The diagnostic window:
It takes some weeks before sufficient quantities of antibodies exist in the blood for the test. This period from infection to proof of infection is called the diagnostic window. The period varies from person to person and is dependent on several factors (transmission path, quantity of transferred viruses, immune system etc.).

The diagnostic window can be reduced by an average of 3 weeks with the use of an antigen (virus) test or a combination of antigen and antibody tests. For most people the time taken between infection and diagnosis is 3 months but it may take 6 months before it is possible.



HIV infection and anti-body reaction
The green curve shows the concentration of the antibodies against the HIVs in the blood. The red line shows the virus concentration (antigen) in the HIV infected blood. HIV can diagnosed at the earliest after two weeks and the antibodies at the earliest 3 weeks later.

What's the difference between anonymous & confidential testing?

What's the difference between anonymous & confidential testing?

With anonymous testing, you don't have to give your name to anyone. With confidential testing, you supply your name during the testing process, but the healthcare system and government health agencies are required by law to keep your testing information confidential – they can't let it become public information.

In the United States, your medical records are confidential. They're protected by the Privacy Act, which was passed into law in 1974. Generally speaking, only your doctor or the facility where you have your test done have access to your medical records. However, laws vary from state to state with regard to their being required to report when someone tests positive. For instance, if you live in a state where reporting of communicable diseases is required, your doctor must report your positive test result – which will likely include your name – to the state and federal governments.

Anyone who is concerned about anonymity or disclosure should contact their local health department or any AIDS service organization hotline to find out what the law is in their area and where anonymous testing is available.

A home test, or going to an anonymous testing site – which are available through departments of health in all the states – are good ways of getting tested anonymously, which means that your name does not need to be used in order to have the test. You will have a conversation with a counselor, but your identity will still be protected.