An HIV Test allows you to check for HIV, the sexually transmitted viral infection that left untreated will progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). People with HIV may not have signs and symptoms. If you’re sexually active and have unprotected sex, it’s important to screen for sexually transmitted diseases so you can stay informed about your sexual health. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have a sexually transmitted infection. The HIV Test detects the presence of both HIV antibodies (HIV-1 and HIV-2) and HIV antigens.
What is tested?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a viral, sexually transmitted infection that without appropriate treatment will progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV attacks the immune cells and weakens the body’s defense against infection. Initially, men and women infected with HIV may have no or mild symptoms for many years, which makes it easy to spread through unprotected sex. The virus can pass from person to person through contact with HIV-infected semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, or blood. Testing for HIV is done with a sample of blood. There are 2 types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. Although HIV-1 is the most common, our test checks for both.
There is no cure for HIV or AIDS, but there are treatment options that can slow the progression of the disease. HIV does not go away on its own. If left untreated, HIV can cause damage to the immune system and may develop into AIDS.
Signs & Symptoms
The HIV Test can be performed in people with and without symptoms of infection. When symptoms do occur, they may vary from person to person and as the disease progresses. There are 3 stages of HIV infection. The first stage occurs about 2 to 4 weeks after exposure and can last from a few days to weeks.
Stage 1: Acute HIV infection:
Some people do not develop symptoms, while others develop flu-like symptoms including:
Stage 2: Chronic HIV Infection
HIV will progress to a chronic phase, which may not have symptoms. This stage may last for years. It is still possible to pass the disease on to someone else during this time.
Some common symptoms can include:
Stage 3: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
As HIV progresses, the immune system becomes severely damaged, and the body becomes too weak to fight off infections. This may lead to opportunistic infections that take advantage of a weakened immune system and may become severe and life-threatening.
Symptoms of AIDS can include:
There are many treatments that slow the progression of AIDS. Testing is key and treatment should be started as early as possible.
Eligibility
Our HIV test is for anyone who is sexually active. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you can still pass HIV to another person without knowing it. You must be 18 years old or older to purchase.
Preparing For Your Test
You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.
Confirming Test
If HIV results are abnormal, confirmation testing is performed on the sample you have already provided, as required by standard diagnostic guidelines.
After The Test
When your results are ready, we will send them to you in a clear, easy-to-read report. You will have the option to speak with an independent physician to discuss your results. If your results differ from the expected ranges, you may receive an alert call to inform you.
