Contributed by -Healthians Team
What is the HIV 1&2 antibodies test?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test detects the presence of HIV antibodies in the blood and/or saliva that the body produces in response to an HIV infection. HIV infection can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It destroys the body’s ability to fight infections and certain cancer. Besides, symptoms of HIV infection may not be noticeable until it has progressed. Therefore, the HIV test is used for early identification of the HIV infection so that the complications can be prevented.
Who should get tested?
The CDC recommends HIV testing for these groups:
- People who have had unprotected sex with multiple partners
- People who inject drugs or steroids or share injecting needles
- Those who have been diagnosed with hepatitis, tuberculosis or sexually transmitted infection
- Pregnant women or those women who are planning their pregnancy
- People who have had unprotected sex with someone who falls in the at-risk (above-mentioned) categories.
Moreover, your doctor may order an HIV test if you exhibit the following symptoms:
- Sudden weight loss
- Night sweats
- Extreme tiredness
- Swollen lymph nodes
- White spots in your mouth or throat
- Chronic diarrhoea
- Pneumonia
- Forgetfulness
- Depression
Why is the HIV test needed?
Initially, HIV infection may not cause any symptoms or in case they appear, they may be flu-like and resolve within a week or so. Hence, HIV often goes undetected. But if left untreated, it can weaken the immune system and make your body lose its ability to fight off infections and certain types of cancer.
After about 2-8 weeks after the exposure to the virus, the immune system responds by producing antibodies against the virus. These antibodies can be detected in the blood with the help of HIV 1&2 antibodies test.
Timely detection and diagnosis of HIV infection helps you:
- in getting an early treatment which may slow down or even prevent the progression to AIDS.
- in learning about health status and finding ways to prevent the spread of the disease to others.
- undergo treatment so that you don’t pass the disease to your child.
What does HIV test results mean?
A positive HIV infection means that HIV antibodies were found in the blood and that you may have HIV. Further testing which differentiates between the types of HIV antibodies may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
On the other hand, a negative result means that HIV antibodies were not found in the blood sample. It could mean you are not infected. However, getting tested soon after the exposure to the virus may also lead to negative results (false negative). If recent exposure is suspected, then further testing may be required.
How is the test done?
For the HIV 1&2 antibodies test, a small sample of blood is needed. It is usually drawn from a vein in the arm. The process is simple, quick and relatively painless. At most, you might feel a prick of the needle. Although you do not have to fast or do any other kind of preparation before the sample collection, make sure that you inform your doctor about any pre-existing medical condition or medicines you might take regularly as they can influence your test results.
